Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Ladd McConkey

Tuesday, October 7, 2:11 PM

The Minnesota Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, but their return to the field could have fantasy implications for wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has not played since Week 2, but the team is targeting Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles as his projected return. Jefferson drew 6.5 targets in two games with McCarthy compared to 9.7 with backup Carson Wentz, though Minnesota has been much more intentional about getting their star wideout the ball in the past two weeks, throwing his way a robust 22 times. Despite Minnesota facing tons of injury issues on the offensive line and both opponents surely game-planning for Jefferson to be heavily featured, he still put up 100-yard efforts in both games. Among fantasy receivers, Jefferson is about as QB-proof as there is, but McCarthy's return still will be a variable worth monitoring.

Sunday, October 12, 8:54 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught seven of his nine targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 6 win over the Miami Dolphins. He ultimately led the team in targets and receiving yards, and he also tied for first in receptions. The 23-year-old had an underwhelming start to the season, but he seems to have turned the corner over the last two weeks. During that two-game span, he has totaled 12 catches, 139 yards, and two touchdowns. This week, he also benefited from the absence of Quentin Johnston (hamstring), but we don't expect McConkey to endure much of a decline when Johnston does return. His production is probably more connected to the effectiveness of the backfield, which isn't a guarantee anymore with Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) sidelined. With a solidified role and momentum on his side, McConkey should rank as a high-end WR2 ahead of Week 7 against the Colts.