Who Should I Start? JuJu Smith-Schuster or Zach Pascal

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.

Sunday, January 7, 2:59 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Zach Pascal (hamstring) is officially active for Week 18 versus the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging limited practices on Thursday and Friday. Nevertheless, he has caught just four passes for 19 yards this season and remains off the fantasy radar. Look for Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch to operate as the Cardinals' top wide receivers while Trey McBride and James Conner also handle key pass-catching roles.