Who Should I Start? Jerry Jeudy or Adonai Mitchell

Saturday, December 27, 9:30 AM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has had a quiet season and is unlikely to make an impact in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last week against the Buffalo Bills, Jeudy played just 72% of the offensive snaps, his lowest snap share since Week 12, yet still posted a 94% route participation rate. The veteran wide-out brought in three of his four targets for 12 yards, which has been his average target share since rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders took over as the starter in Week 12. Despite this low production, Jeudy is still running routes on nearly every drop-back and remains the preferred wide receiver option, accounting for 38% of all WR targets over the last five games. Rain is expected in Cleveland at kickoff, which may put a damper on an already lackluster Browns air attack. Even though the Steelers' pass defense has given up the third-most passing yards per game this season in the league, they have stiffened since Week 13, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jeudy profiles as a deep-league WR4/FLEX due to his opportunities and large target share, which may increase if rookie tight end Harold Fannin J. (groin) misses Week 17 due to his injury sustained during Friday's practice.

Saturday, December 27, 1:32 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell will retain decent flex value for Sunday's meeting with a formidable New England Patriots' defense at MetLife Stadium. The Texas native has primarily operated as the team's WR1 since coming over via trade with the Indianapolis Colts. In six appearances, Mitchell has racked up at least six looks in each, although his output has been anything but consistent. Still, even with rookie signal-caller Brady Cook under center, the wideout is worthy of a high-upside flex, despite a challenging outing against the Pats at home. Cook's inexperience undoubtedly caps Mitchell's ceiling. However, the latter has been the most likely Jets' skill player to hit pay dirt, picking up six red zone opportunities during his tenure - the most of any New York WR. While Mitchell's floor is low, his athleticism and big-play ability make him an enticing low-end asset in the fantasy playoffs. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR46 for Week 17's clash.