Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Malik Washington

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, 8:31 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is getting plenty of catches in his role as the team's second receiver, but he isn't turning those catches into big numbers, making him a high-risk play against the Jets. He has multiple catches in 10 straight games dating back to Week 3, and he has at least three catches in seven of his last eight. He hasn't hit 50 yards in any contest yet, though, and didn't find the end zone in either of his last two games. He has a decent PPR floor in the Dolphins' low-risk, dink and dunk passing game, but he doesn't have a high ceiling since he hasn't been able to break loose for any big plays. Washington is the WR52 in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he's only a desperation WR5 or flex play in the deepest of leagues.