Who Should I Start? Jameson Williams or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, December 22, 12:00 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded five receptions for 70 yards on nine targets in his team's 29-24 Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the 24-year-old's production against Pittsburgh is a bit of a let-down relative to his performance in recent weeks, Williams continues to be a featured piece of the Detroit offense. He's earned at least nine targets in four straight games and has recorded at least 70 receiving yards in five out of his last six outings. For the season, Williams has now hauled in 57 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 targets across 15 games. With its defense struggling mightily, Detroit figures to continue to find itself in pass-heavy game scripts down the stretch of the season. Williams should continue to have opportunities to put up numbers in his final two matchups of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 and the Chicago Bears in Week 18.

Monday, December 22, 6:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (right hand) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report. The Vikings conducted a walk-through on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. McCarthy exited during the middle of the Vikings' Week 16 contest and was unable to return. Video from the FOX broadcast showed McCarthy in serious pain, so between his pain level and Monday's injury report, it seems like there's a very real chance the former first-round pick misses Week 17 against the Detroit Lions. To make matters worse for McCartyhy, the Vikings and Lions have a short week, playing on Christmas Day (Thursday). He only has a few days to get healthy for Week 17. Otherwise, Max Brosmer would be in line to start against Detroit.