Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Jaylen Warren

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.

Friday, December 5, 9:01 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has scored in two consecutive contests and will look to keep that momentum going in a Week 14 road matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been below average against the run this season, surrendering over 4.4 yards per carry and 11 rushing touchdowns. Baltimore has also struggled to contain pass-catching running backs, allowing the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to the position. Warren hasn't been as consistently utilized through the air as he was early in the season, but he remains fully capable as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist). Even with Kenneth Gainwell emerging as a reliable weapon for Pittsburgh, Warren is still the team's primary runner and preferred option on early downs. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a solid RB2 heading into Sunday.