Who Should I Start? Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Zay Flowers

Friday, December 19, 12:47 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught eight of his 13 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. Smith-Njigba didn't have a single catch during the entire first half, sending managers into a panic as the fantasy playoffs continue in most leagues. However, he was highly explosive throughout the second half and overtime, during which he scored the game-winning touchdown. The 23-year-old is the second-highest-scoring fantasy receiver (full-PPR) in 2025, trailing only Puka Nacua. He has been one of the biggest risers in the NFL this season, and he should continue to be started as an elite WR1 option in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers.

Saturday, December 20, 8:12 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers carries plenty of momentum into Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. Flowers has been playing at a high level lately, amassing 11 catches, 192 yards, and one touchdown over his last two games. He scored at least 15 full-PPR fantasy points in each of those contests. Flowers will have a tougher matchup this week against the Patriots' secondary, which typically has star cornerback Christian Gonzalez traveling with the opponent's No. 1 receiver. With that being said, if Gonzalez doesn't stay with Flowers, he'll have a much higher ceiling. The Patriots have allowed the 14th-most fantasy points and fourth-most receiving touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2025. He ranks as the overall WR17 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.