Who Should I Start? JuJu Smith-Schuster or Noah Brown

Saturday, January 4, 2:02 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Smith-Schuster appeared to be the Chiefs WR1 in the wake of Rashee Rice's injury, but then he also lost time to injury. By the time he returned, Kansas City had acquired DeAndre Hopkins, and Xavier Worthy had become more integrated into the offense. This week, Smith-Schuster could find himself with a more significant role, given the state of the team. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, meaning they are inclined to rest their starters in anticipation of the playoffs. If the starters rest and Smith-Schuster plays, he could be an interesting PPR play due to the routes he runs. That said, the veteran receiver must rely on Carson Wentz throwing him the football. Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest and likely will not suit up. Another obstacle Smith-Schuster will have to contend with is the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The 28-year-old is ranked WR76 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deep flex option this week. Fantasy managers starting Smith-Schuster will have to hope for a touchdown.

Thursday, December 12, 12:08 PM

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that wide receiver Noah Brown (ribs) will miss several weeks and potentially the rest of the season after sustaining an internal injury in the Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans. The Commanders had a bye in Week 14, but Brown's injury is serious enough that he won't be ready to go for the Week 15 contest this Sunday in New Orleans against the Saints. With Brown hurt, the Commanders claimed receiver K.J. Osborn off waivers from the New England Patriots earlier this week. Osborn will give Washington more depth at the position, but Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus and rookie Luke McCaffrey will get be the ones that will battle for WR2 duties with Brown injured behind Terry McLaurin. Tight end Zach Ertz might actually benefit the most from a target perspective in fantasy.