Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Kenny Pickett

Friday, January 2, 10:12 AM

Through 16 games, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has had the least productive season of his career. The 26-year-old has recorded 76 receptions for 947 yards and two touchdowns on 130 targets. Inconsistent quarterback play in Minnesota has been the biggest problem for Jefferson in 2025. The Vikings may get QB1 J.J. McCarthy (hand) back from the hand injury that sidelined him in Week 17 for their Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. However, Jefferson has recorded just 19 catches for 227 yards and zero touchdowns across McCarthy's last five starts. While Jefferson remains one of the most talented pass-catchers in the NFL, the offensive environment around him in Minnesota this season makes it difficult to trust him for consistent production. Jefferson profiles as a WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 18.

Friday, January 2, 7:24 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll refused to name a starting quarterback for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. "You'll see on Sunday," Carroll said. The head coach added that there is "a rotation in mind" between Kenny Pickett and Aidan O'Connell. Geno Smith (ankle) has already been ruled out. Pickett is expected to make the start against the Chiefs, but he may not play the entire game before giving way to O'Connell, who has yet to play a snap this year. In Pickett's lone start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, Pickett went 15-for-25 passing for only 64 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Fantasy managers should definitely be staying away from the Raiders' QB situation in Week 18 in a meaningless game.