Who Should I Start? Jaylen Waddle or Ladd McConkey

Saturday, December 27, 7:42 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been the team's top option since Tyreek Hill's season-ending injury, and he'll be a solid second receiver in standard-sized leagues this week as his team hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Waddle had five catches on nine targets for 72 yards in last week's loss to the Bengals, which was the first career start for rookie QB Quinn Ewers. Waddle led the team with those nine targets, with no other player getting more than five looks. Waddle didn't get into the end zone for a second straight week, but he has six touchdowns to go with his 910 receiving yards this season. He could get to 1,000 yards on Sunday if he has a big game against the Bucs, who rank in the middle of the league as a WR matchup. Waddle is the No. 17 WR in Week 17's RotoBaller rankings, landing him as a solid WR2 this week with a high floor due to this target volume.

Friday, December 26, 9:53 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey returned to the end zone last week, leading the team with six targets, but a repeat performance will be difficult on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Houston's secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, ranking first in EPA/Pass and allowing the fewest passing yards per game. While McConkey remains Justin Herbert's primary target, the Texans' elite pass rush, which is tied for sixth in sacks, will likely force Herbert into quick, low-ADOT throws. This defensive pressure mirrors the conditions that led to McConkey's recent dud games rather than his productive outing against a porous Dallas secondary. While his target floor remains decent, the matchup significantly limits his big-play potential. He is a touchdown-dependent WR3 for the fantasy finals.