Who Should I Start? Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Rashee Rice

Friday, December 26, 7:46 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to dominate once again in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has a solid passing defense, but JSN has proven to be matchup-proof time and again this season. Smith-Njigba's target share is simply too large for him to bust in most games. Additionally, the Seahawks move him all over the field and scheme plenty of looks for the third-year pro. Although Carolina has a talented secondary, it will be difficult for them to keep track of JSN at all times. This is a must-win game for both teams. There is a path for Carolina to clinch its division this week, and the Seahawks need this win to vie for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As such, this could be a higher-scoring game than many may expect. If Carolina's offense can put some pressure on Seattle's defense, it will only serve to boost Smith-Njigba's targets if Seattle needs to continually air the ball out. Start JSN as your anchor during championship week and do not look back.

Wednesday, December 24, 3:35 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, ending his 2025 season, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Fellow wideout Tyquan Thornton (concussion) also landed on IR. Both receivers will miss the final two games of the regular season with the Chiefs already eliminated from postseason contention. The 25-year-old Rice got a late start to the year after serving a suspension, but once he returned, he had a high weekly floor for fantasy managers with 53 receptions, 571 yards, and five touchdowns in eight games played. When healthy, it's clear that Rice has become quarterback Patrick Mahomes' (knee) favorite weapon through the air. With both Rice and Thornton out for the last two games, Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown will have more opportunities, but third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun will be running the offense with Mahomes and Gardner Minshew (knee) dealing with torn ACLs.