Who Should I Start? D.K. Metcalf or Tony Pollard

Wednesday, December 25, 12:09 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has been a difficult fantasy asset to trust lately. In Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings, Metcalf scored his first touchdown since Week 7. His target volume has been solid lately, but his production has not flowed. The Seahawks face the Chicago Bears in Week 17. The Bears have not been a scary matchup for opposing passing games in recent weeks. Still, Metcalf is a risky play. His catch rate of 60% is primarily contributing to his poor production. His downfield targets are a high-risk, high-reward. Additionally, the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a true No. 1 wide receiver in the offense is not helping Metcalf's case. The Seahawks are in desperation mode and must win on Thursday to have any chance of advancing to the playoffs. As such, expect them to be aggressive offensively. That could play to Metcalf's advantage. He checks in as a high-end flex play with upside this week.

Wednesday, December 25, 9:43 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Titans didn't hold an actual practice, but if they had, Pollard would not have participated. The 27-year-old has routinely appeared on the Titans' injury report this season, but he has managed to play in all 15 games so far, totaling 1,017 rushing yards, 238 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He ranks as the overall RB19 in fantasy football while cementing himself as the Titans' clear-cut No. 1 running back option over Tyjae Spears. Seeing Pollard listed as DNP on Tennessee's injury report is understandably concerning for fantasy managers, but it's not necessarily indicative of his Week 17 availability. In fact, just last week, Pollard missed all three practices but still managed to suit up on Sunday afternoon. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Titans' injury report and, if necessary, check back to confirm his availability when Tennessee releases its list of inactive players on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. If Pollard does play, he'll rank as a mid-to-high RB2 option against the Jacksonville Jaguars' subpar run defense.