Who Should I Start? Jordan Addison or Calvin Austin III

Friday, December 19, 4:18 PM

For managers still playing, the decision to start or sit Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison against the New York Giants is a riddle. This week, the former USC and Pitt standout qualifies as an ultimate high-risk, high-reward WR3/flex option. He has an outstanding matchup against a poor Giants pass defense that has allowed the fourth-most points to half-PPR receivers and fourth-most air yards, both great signs for a home-run hitter like Addison. Additionally, the Vikings' offense has been markedly better during the past two weeks, during which the offense scored 30-plus points, and Addison recorded more than 60 yards both times. But there is also the downside: Minnesota still ranks among the league's worst in turnover percentage, sacks allowed, and scoring percentage. In the six games preceding back-to-back wins, Addison averaged a paltry 27.5 receiving yards. Managers in the fantasy playoffs will have to evaluate the full picture of their roster to gauge whether the possibility of Addison having a big game is worth the risk of a dud.

Saturday, December 20, 1:50 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III failed to bring in his lone target in last week's win over the Miami Dolphins and will hope to see an uptick in utilization against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. This matchup sets up extremely well for Pittsburgh's aerial attack, given its high projected point total and a struggling Detroit secondary that is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Still, Austin has not been able to establish himself as a consistent weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has frequently targeted DK Metcalf along with the Steelers' running backs and tight ends. Given the matchup, Austin could certainly surprise with an explosive play, but he remains off the fantasy radar in all redraft formats.