Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Nico Collins

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.

Monday, January 12, 11:09 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not return to Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He exited after hitting his head on the turf on an incomplete pass during the third quarter. Collins was initially listed as questionable while being evaluated, but the team eventually downgraded him to out. He finishes the Wild Card game with seven targets, three catches, and 21 receiving yards. In addition to Collins, fellow wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion), who primarily plays on special teams, has also been ruled out. The Texans will play the final few minutes with Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Dalton Schultz, and Christian Kirk operating as C.J. Stroud's top targets. Collins is officially in concussion protocol and will have just six days to get healthy before the Texans' Divisional Round game against the Patriots, assuming Houston holds on to defeat Pittsburgh.