Who Should I Start? Ja'Marr Chase or Xavier Worthy

Sunday, December 28, 6:51 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase gave fantasy managers a strong performance during championship weekend. Chase has seen his fantasy value go back to elite status since the return of quarterback Joe Burrow. On Sunday, the duo connected for two touchdowns in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Chase snagged a 13-yard score in the first quarter and found the end zone again for an eight-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He hauled in seven of his nine targets for 60 yards and two scores in the victory. Chase will look to surpass the 1,400-yard mark during the Week 18 divisional matchup versus the Cleveland Browns. He'll be a must-start, elite WR1 for all fantasy managers still playing for something in the regular-season finale.

Wednesday, December 31, 2:00 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) will miss his team's practice on Wednesday, per Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. The 22-year-old has had a disappointing 2025 season overall, recording 42 receptions for 532 yards and a touchdown on 73 targets across 14 games. However, he profiles as the Chiefs' WR1 with Kansas City wideouts Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) both on Injured Reserve. Worthy failed to take advantage of his first opportunity without Rice and Thornton in Week 17, recording zero catches on three targets against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have an easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Still, the Kansas City passing game is difficult to trust with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun in line to make his second straight start under center. If active, Worthy profiles as a deep-league flex option at best in Week 18.