Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Rashid Shaheed

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, 11:07 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is not a fantasy option in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Shaheed's snap count percentage has capped out around 50% for this team. He is being used as more of a gadget player than a true WR2. It is always difficult to integrate a new player at the trade deadline, but Shaheed is capable of much more in this offense. To make matters worse, Shaheed is not even being targeted down the field despite his limited usage. He does not possess the potential to hit on a big play unless he takes a punt return to the house. At this point, Shaheed can be dropped from your team. Until the Seahawks demonstrate that he is going to be a fully integrated piece of their offense, he is not going to be worth rostering in fantasy.