Who Should I Start? Kalif Raymond or Xavier Hutchinson

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.

Friday, November 21, 9:14 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson was a non-factor during Thursday's Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old was not targeted at all in the passing game. Hutchinson rushed the ball once for nine yards in the win. This is now the second time in the last three games that Hutchinson has been held without a catch. There is certainly some potential here, but Hutchinson clearly isn't part of the weekly gameplan right now. He's someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues due to his potential, but isn't someone that needs to be rostered in redraft leagues.