Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Jalen Coker

Friday, December 5, 3:35 PM

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.

Monday, December 1, 11:30 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was a bright spot for the team in their rain-soaked 31-28 win against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, compiling a 4/74/1 line on six targets. The second-year pro was a key contributor in the upset victory, posting team-highs across the board, while snagging his first touchdown of the campaign. Since returning from a quad injury seven games ago, Coker has racked up 18 receptions and 224 yards (25 targets). The numbers are modest at best, although he's just 63 receiving yards behind teammate Xavier Legette, who is only ten catches ahead of him despite making four more appearances. Quarterback Bryce Young has been up and down, but he looked good on Sunday in a tough matchup with less-than-ideal conditions, and Coker has displayed explosiveness getting off the line. He's firmly on the fantasy radar.