Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Riley Leonard

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.

Friday, December 12, 6:56 PM

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Leonard was able to practice in full all week despite suffering a low-grade PCL sprain during last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was forced into action after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Leonard completed 18 of 29 passing attempts for 145 yards with an interception in relief of Jones and also rushed the ball twice for five yards and a touchdown on the ground. With Jones out for the year and Leonard hurt, the Colts went out and signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers this week. The Colts haven't revealed whether they'll go with Rivers or Leonard against Seattle. Given his ability to move the ball with his legs, Leonard is probably more appealing from a fantasy perspective. However, all signs are pointing to Rivers making his first NFL start since 2020 in Week 15 on the road in Seattle.