Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Rashee Rice

Wednesday, December 10, 9:31 AM

Senior News Writer Kevin Patra of NFL.com reported Tuesday morning that coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke with George Pickens about what most reporters and analysts considered a "lack of effort from Pickens" in the Cowboys' Week 14 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Schottenheimer said he "wasn't making a mountain out of a mole hill." In other words, Schottenheimer is not worried about Pickens' "lack of effort" and wants them both to move on to Week 15. For those who may have missed it, Pickens was the talk of the town come Friday morning, as many reporters and analysts noticed Pickens' lack of effort on a handful of plays in the nationally televised Thursday Night Football game, which was pivotal for both teams to win based on the NFC standings. Overall, it's excellent that Schottenheimer and Pickens were able to talk about it and move on. Pickens has been phenomenal this season and is likely on many fantasy football teams' playoff rosters. For the season, he has 1,179 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 78 receptions. He has been a top-five wide receiver all season, and the Cowboys are right in the thick of things in the NFL playoff picture, so they are going to need their star wideout at the top of his game. Additionally, Pickens is a lineup lock in your fantasy rosters.

Saturday, December 6, 5:11 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the 28-31 loss to Dallas on Thanksgiving. Rice has been the focal point of Kansas City's offense since his return from suspension and has been virtually matchup-proof outside of a down game against Denver, where he caught six passes for 38 yards. The Broncos made it a point to slow down Rice, and the same treatment could be coming his way in Week 14 against a tough Houston defense. The Texans have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Despite the matchup, Rice should still be given a heavy dose of targets in what could be a must-win game for Kansas City. Rice was also dealing with a hamstring injury this week, but practiced in full Wednesday through Friday, so he has no injury designation for this week's matchup. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a must-start option despite facing one of the strongest defenses in the NFL.