Who Should I Start? Jalen Nailor or Jahmyr Gibbs

Wednesday, December 24, 3:20 PM

Due to a litany of injuries around him, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is a lowly rated option when the Vikings play host to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The Michigan State product has developed a solid chemistry with starter J.J. McCarthy (hand), but the latter will miss Thursday's game, giving way to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Detroit ranks a bottom-tier 31st against PPR receivers, though the Vikings are beaten up and on a short week. In addition to McCarthy, the Vikings will be without star left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), center Ryan Kelly (concussion), tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), running back Jordan Mason (ankle), and could be without right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) as well. Nailor's varied role in the offense is difficult to rely upon anyway, as the receiver has not caught a pass three times in the past five weeks, yet had one game with two touchdowns. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 86 receiver this week, Nailor is avoidable in all formats.

Wednesday, December 24, 8:29 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been inconsistent as a rusher in recent weeks, as he's been held to 3.6 yards per carry or less in five out of his last six games. The 23-year-old was able to save his Week 16 production with his work as a receiver, recording 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gibbs has been heavily involved in the Lions' passing game since Detroit placed tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Across six games without LaPorta, Gibbs has hauled in 40 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. Gibbs' receiving work may need to continue carrying his production in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings enter the week ranked 12th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). Gibbs had his least productive game of the season in his first matchup of the year against Minnesota, racking up just 28 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 9. However, he may see a few more touches this time around, as Lions back David Montgomery (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday. Gibbs remains a must-start fantasy running back, but fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations in Week 17.