Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or Harold Fannin Jr.

Wednesday, December 24, 3:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver is a lowly rated option who can be safely avoided in the majority of formats when the Vikings play host to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The Vikings will be without starter T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), though Oliver will be reliant upon a third-string quarterback and a patchwork offensive line to power the passing attack. With backup quarterback Carson Wentz (shoulder) already out for the year, the injury to J.J. McCarthy (hand) means that Max Brosmer will earn another start. That comes with the backdrop of left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) missing, and right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) questionable as well. The Lions rank a favorable 20th against half-PPR tight ends, but Minnesota is so hampered that Oliver, rated RotoBaller's No. 52 tight end this week, can remain on waivers in most leagues.

Thursday, January 1, 4:07 PM

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) missed his second straight practice on Thursday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Fannin Jr. exited early from Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-aggravating a lingering groin injury. The 21-year-old could be trending towards sitting out the Browns' Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fannin Jr. has been arguably the most reliable pass-catcher in Cleveland so far this season, recording 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games played. Fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has also yet to practice this week, meaning the team may be without its top two tight ends on Sunday. If both Fannin Jr. and Njoku are inactive, Browns tight ends Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella could all see an increase in playing time in Week 18.