Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Troy Franklin

Thursday, December 4, 1:13 AM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has already posted career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,142), and touchdowns in 12 games this season. Pickens has been a seamless fit in his first year with the Cowboys and has formed one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league with CeeDee Lamb. The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Monday with calf and knee injuries, but he has been cleared from the injury report and is all set to play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's a dream matchup for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, as Detroit has played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season. Pickens has arguably been the best receiver against man coverage this season, leading all players by a wide margin with 463 yards against man, per Fantasy Points Data. In a matchup featuring the highest projected point total of the week, Pickens profiles as one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football in Week 14.

Tuesday, November 25, 9:47 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin is having a breakout season in his second year out of Oregon. He leads the team with 81 targets and 46 catches on his way to 509 yards and a team-high five receiving touchdowns. The 9-2 Broncos come out of their bye week with a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Commanders in Week 13, and then they face the Raicers in Week 14. Both of those teams have been top-five matchups for receivers, making Franklin a great scoop and start option if you need to add a WR3 or flex play from the waiver wires. His great matchup against the Raiders in Week 14 also makes him a strong option if you have starting receivers who are part of the last round of bye weeks and can use him as a ready replacement.