Who Should I Start? Jalen Nailor or Troy Franklin

Friday, December 5, 3:30 PM

After the Minnesota Vikings' offensive struggles reached a new low in Week 13, wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be considered a high-risk option when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14. The Commanders' defense has been hugely ineffective this season, and it enters this week having allowed the highest percentage of scoring drives in the league. In the past month, however, Minnesota has been even worse. The offense's turnover rate has ballooned to over 17% of their possessions, and they've scored 42 points in their past 16 quarters. Nailor had a career-best day with quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 10, but caught just one pass on three targets combined during the next three games. The matchup this week is great, but starting Nailor should be considered a desperation play, given his low volume in what has been a bad offense.

Wednesday, December 10, 1:09 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has operated as the team's No. 2 wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton for the vast majority of the season. However, his role in the offense has decreased lately, beginning in Week 13 against the Washington Commanders. The second-year wideout played 37 offensive snaps in that game, his lowest all season at that time, but his 68.8% route share still aligned with his season average of 71.6%. Both marks plummeted in the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, as his snaps were cut in half to just 19 and his route share dipped to a season-low 39.5%. Rookie third-rounder Pat Bryant has seemingly overtaken him as the No. 2 option opposite Sutton. After leading the Broncos in targets for most of the season, Franklin's role has been cut back due to his inconsistent hands and limitations as a run-blocker. He profiles as a low-ceiling flex option heading into Week 15 against a tough Green Bay Packers defense.