Who Should I Start? Kalif Raymond or Malik Washington

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.

Sunday, January 4, 5:39 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (thumb) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. He appeared to suffer the injury on a punt return and is officially listed as questionable. At the time of his departure, he had caught one pass for a two-yard touchdown, and he also had two punt return yards. Washington entered this week as Miami's No. 1 receiver with Jaylen Waddle (ribs) inactive, Tyreek Hill (knee) on injured reserve, and Darren Waller (groin) on injured reserve. Now, with Washington sidelined, Miami will turn to Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Theo Wease Jr. as its top wide receivers.