Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Wednesday, October 30, 4:26 PM

Despite the Houston Texans' numerous offensive changes, running back Joe Mixon remains a RB1 option against the New York Jets on Thursday. The 28-year-old has one of the best fantasy situations in the league as a legitimate feature back who gets targets and red-zone work on a good offense, and he's delivered three straight top-10 finishes among running backs. Now, Houston could lean on its running game even more with top receivers Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) on injured reserve. The Jets are allowing just under 126 rushing yards per game, which ranks 17th in the NFL, and their 10 rushing touchdowns allowed is more than all but three teams. Mixon is a clear starter in Week 9.

Sunday, October 27, 8:27 PM

With Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out of the lineup, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba stepped into the No. 1 wide receiver role. In a low-volume passing day from the Seahawks offense, Smith-Njigba led the team in targets with seven. He caught six passes for 69 yards. Considering that the Seahawks offense was anemic for most of the game, Smith-Njigba's output was respectable. It is clear that he is the No. 2 wide receiver behind Metcalf at this point, but we still have yet to see a string of full breakout performances. With Metcalf possibly back in Week 9, Smith-Njigba could be relegated to his usual role in the offense. However, if Metcalf were to miss another game, Smith-Njigba would be a solid start again next week. The Rams are a much worse defense than the Bills and the Seahawks should have a much easier time moving the ball. If this offense could find some level of consistency, then better days are headed for all of the skill players.