Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Jayden Higgins

Friday, October 17, 4:35 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason should be considered an RB2/high-end Flex play when his team plays host to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Not only are the injury-riddled Vikings expected to have guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) back in the lineup, but the Eagles are among the bottom rung of defenses against fantasy running backs, ranking 24th in yards per attempt allowed and 30th in rushing first downs allowed. Only three NFL teams have surrendered more rushing touchdowns. With backfield mate Aaron Jones (hamstring) still on injured reserve, Mason should receive lead-back work in the Minnesota backfield. Although the Vikings' offense has struggled at times this season, Mason should have enough opportunity to start in fantasy lineups in Week 7.

Saturday, October 18, 5:56 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins had the best game of his rookie season just before the team's bye week, and he'll look to pick up where he left off as he returns to the field in Seattle on Monday night. He'll get a boost in Week 7 from Christian Kirk (hamstring) missing another contest, which could allow more targets to come his way. Higgins only had five catches in his first four games combined, but he had four catches on four targets for 32 yards in Week 5 against the Ravens. He played a season-high 56% of snaps in that blowout win, and could pick up Kirk's work this week as well. The No. 34 pick in last year's draft started the season with some fantasy buzz but hasn't been able to emerge as a weekly starting play in Houston's crowded receiver room. He has a very high ceiling but also has a very low floor since he has only one catch in three games this season. Weighing his risk and reward, he is a boom-or-bust longshot play at a flex spot this week, but he does have some intriguing upside as a rookie option down the road if he can build on his Week 5 success.