Who Should I Start? Jalen Nailor or Troy Franklin

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.

Thursday, January 22, 7:08 PM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) put in another limited practice on Thursday, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Franklin suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend's victory over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and is now questionable to play against the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship tilt. If the 22-year-old doesn't upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could carry a questionable tag into the weekend. Meanwhile, rookie wideout Pat Bryant upgraded to full practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Franklin's fantasy stock has been on the decline since late in the 2025 regular season, and that has continued into postseason play. It looks like Bryant has a good chance of playing this weekend, which will limit Franklin's fantasy upside if he's active, especially with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham making the start.