Who Should I Start? Ladd McConkey or Quinn Ewers

Friday, December 19, 9:55 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is looking to rebound after a disappointing two-game stretch in which he totaled just 32 yards and posted a season-low 11.5% target share. Despite the recent lack of volume, McConkey faces a prime opportunity against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has allowed the most passing yards and touchdowns in the league. Dallas ranks 30th in EPA/Pass and is fifth in completion percentage allowed, providing a soft landing for the 24-year-old. With the Cowboys' pass rush ranking only 25th in sack percentage, Justin Herbert should have the time to find McConkey in the intermediate areas of the field. If Quentin Johnston (groin) is ruled out again, McConkey's target share should naturally gravitate back toward his season average. RotoBaller ranks him as the WR22 this week, and he is a strong WR2/3 option.

Friday, December 19, 6:29 PM

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers will be making his first NFL start this week, when his team hosts the Bengals on Sunday afternoon. Ewers was a seventh-round pick for the Dolphins out of Texas last season, and the 22-year-old will now get a chance to make his first NFL start. He played a few series in Cleveland earlier this season, completing five of his eight passes for 53 yards and taking a pair of sacks. He will have a favorable matchup against the Bengals, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Ewers is likely playing for an increased opportunity next season, since the team seems ready to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, even though he signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract only last summer. Ewers has a favorable matchup, but he's so unproven that he's still only the No. 27 QB in this week's rankings, making him not a good option in all but the very deepest formats.