Who Should I Start? Jordan Addison or Calvin Austin III

Friday, December 26, 10:24 AM

A beleaguered Minnesota Vikings offense did very little for most of a Christmas Day showdown against the Detroit Lions, but wide receiver Jordan Addison provided a late-game spark with a 65-yard touchdown run that changed the game in a 23-10 victory. Missing three offensive line starters, their top two quarterbacks, and their starting tight end, the Vikings threw for a miserable 51 yards passing behind undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, which led to one target and no catches for the third-year receiver. The Minnesota defense played an outstanding game by forcing six turnovers, and the offense finally came to life late in the fourth quarter with an end-around to Addison that clinched the game. Routinely a risky fantasy option, Addison came through with one big play this week. He and the Vikings will finish the season by playing host to the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.

Tuesday, January 6, 12:14 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has compiled 31 receptions (55 targets) for 372 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games this season. The 26-year-old came up huge in the regular-season finale win over the Baltimore Ravens, catching a 26-yard touchdown to give the Steelers the lead with less than a minute remaining. With D.K. Metcalf (suspension) set to return for the playoffs after missing the last two games, Austin offers minimal upside in a brutal matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. He's scored double-digit PPR points in only four of 14 games, and the Texans have allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (183.5) and the seventh-fewest receiving touchdowns (20) this season. Austin is tough to trust for fantasy managers in playoff leagues, given the return of Metcalf and the challenging matchup.