Who Should I Start? Jalen Nailor or Tre Tucker

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.

Sunday, December 28, 7:57 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was primed to emerge as the Raiders' lead pass catcher in Week 17, but was held to five receptions for 49 yards off his six targets in a 34-10 loss to the New York Giants. Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was placed on IR following Week 16, and rookie wide receiver Jack Bech (back) was ruled out Sunday afternoon, which should have opened the path for more opportunities for Tucker. However, quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) was under pressure all afternoon, and the passing attack primarily went through tight end Michael Mayer. Still, Tucker earned the most targets out of the Raiders' wide receiver room and is solidly the team's WR1. Tucker has a bottom-10 matchup ahead of him in Week 18 against AFC West rivals the Kansas City Chiefs. The third-year wide-out is firmly in WR3/Flex territory as the 2025 season draws to a close.