Who Should I Start? Kalif Raymond or Adonai Mitchell

Wednesday, December 24, 10:32 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond had his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Raymond could see an expanded role again in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as top Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, if St. Brown is active, there's reason to believe Raymond's performance in Week 16 is unlikely to be repeated. Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw 54 passes against Pittsburgh, 17 more than he attempted in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9. Additionally, Minnesota has been a very tough matchup for opposing passing attacks. The Vikings enter the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Raymond has some upside as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers if St. Brown is sidelined. If St. Brown is active, fantasy managers should likely avoid Raymond in Week 17.

Saturday, December 27, 1:32 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell will retain decent flex value for Sunday's meeting with a formidable New England Patriots' defense at MetLife Stadium. The Texas native has primarily operated as the team's WR1 since coming over via trade with the Indianapolis Colts. In six appearances, Mitchell has racked up at least six looks in each, although his output has been anything but consistent. Still, even with rookie signal-caller Brady Cook under center, the wideout is worthy of a high-upside flex, despite a challenging outing against the Pats at home. Cook's inexperience undoubtedly caps Mitchell's ceiling. However, the latter has been the most likely Jets' skill player to hit pay dirt, picking up six red zone opportunities during his tenure - the most of any New York WR. While Mitchell's floor is low, his athleticism and big-play ability make him an enticing low-end asset in the fantasy playoffs. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR46 for Week 17's clash.