Who Should I Start? Jerry Jeudy or Jahmyr Gibbs

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 8:29 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been inconsistent as a rusher in recent weeks, as he's been held to 3.6 yards per carry or less in five out of his last six games. The 23-year-old was able to save his Week 16 production with his work as a receiver, recording 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gibbs has been heavily involved in the Lions' passing game since Detroit placed tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Across six games without LaPorta, Gibbs has hauled in 40 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. Gibbs' receiving work may need to continue carrying his production in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings enter the week ranked 12th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). Gibbs had his least productive game of the season in his first matchup of the year against Minnesota, racking up just 28 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 9. However, he may see a few more touches this time around, as Lions back David Montgomery (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday. Gibbs remains a must-start fantasy running back, but fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations in Week 17.