Who Should I Start? Drew Lock or Michael Pittman Jr.

Saturday, December 21, 1:01 AM

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock returns to the starting role for Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons after missing Week 15 with a heel injury. Lock has been underwhelming in limited action this season, with 405 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions over two starts, averaging just 5.1 yards per attempt. However, the Falcons present an enticing matchup, as their defense ranks 26th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks over the past four weeks (18.9 FPPG). Atlanta also struggles overall, allowing 24.4 points per game, the fifth-most in the NFL. While Lock's inconsistency and eight sacks taken are concerning, his rushing ability (116 yards, 1 TD) gives him a sneaky floor, but he should remain on the bench for the playoffs.

Friday, December 20, 10:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was a full participant in practice on Friday. The 27-year-old did not practice on Wednesday, but was back to a full participant the following two sessions to close out the week. The 6-foot-4 wideout has dealt with back issues seemingly all season long, but it has cost him just one week of playing time. The former second-round draft pick has been Anthony Richardson's preferred target in the passing game over the last four weeks since being reinstated as the starting QB, averaging over five catches per contest, albeit for just 60 yards per game. The fifth-year pro hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, which happened to be against his Week 16 opponent, the Tennessee Titans. Although he found paydirt in that first meeting, he did so on just three catches for 35 yards. With the Titans allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers and with Richardson completing less than 50% of his passes on the season, expectations for Sunday's divisional showdown should be tempered. While the Colts are 3.5-point favorites in this one, there is a low expected total of 42.5 and Pittman Jr. projects as a WR4 this week, so hopefully fantasy managers have other options.