Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Matthew Golden

Friday, December 12, 7:47 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is coming off one of the worst showings of his breakout season, but he is still worth viewing as a WR1 in all formats when he faces the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Last Thursday, Pickens brought in just five of his nine targets for a mere 37 yards. This was his lowest total since Week 1, when he tallied only 30 yards on three receptions. His production last week was quite disappointing as the team's No. 1 WR, CeeDee Lamb, exited with a concussion. Still, Pickens was unable to connect with quarterback Dak Prescott. However, managers should continue to view Pickens as a must-start option as he enters Week 15 as the overall WR2 in PPR scoring despite his Week 14 dud. During Weeks 11 through 13, Pickens averaged an elite 24.6 PPR points per game and totaled 126 yards per game with two receiving scores. Overall, Pickens has found the back of the end zone eight times, which is the same number of times he found the end zone as a Steeler during the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined. Despite facing an elite Minnesota secondary that enters the fantasy playoffs allowing the fewest PPR points to opposing WRs, and Lamb cleared for action, Pickens still carries immense upside in all formats and is a must-start WR1 in all league types.

Monday, December 15, 10:12 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has mostly had an underwhelming rookie season to this point, recording 27 catches for 341 yards on 37 targets across 11 games. The 22-year-old has not played more than 37% of Green Bay's offensive snaps in any game since Week 8. However, Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (chest) suffered a chest injury in Week 15 that has his status for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears in question. If Watson is sidelined, Golden could have an opportunity for increased playing time. In Week 15, three of Golden's four targets and two of his three receptions came after Watson exited the game. In PPR fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams where Golden remains available, he should be added off the waiver wire and stashed until more information is known about Watson's injury status.