Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Allen Lazard

Saturday, January 4, 4:18 AM

After opening the week with a limited session, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) practiced in full for a second consecutive day and has no designation going into the team's Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 30-year-old was sidelined in Week 16 due to a combination of a back issue and illness that interrupted his rehab. In Week 17, he was active though a massive hit in the fourth quarter took him out of the game early. Even though he will be active, it will be hard to rely on MVS for fantasy purposes. His success earlier this season was tied to touchdowns and big gains on deep passes. In his three biggest games he racked up 232 yards and four touchdowns but did so on just ten targets. Spencer Rattler will be under center again for the season finale and while he has shown decent arm strength as a spot starter, his accuracy (or lack thereof) will not do MVS any favors. His potential would be further dampened by the return of Chris Olave (concussion) who is listed as questionable. Valdes-Scantling was a bright spot for a few weeks in 2024 but he should not be in a starting lineup in Week 18.

Sunday, January 5, 9:59 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught all three of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Lazard brought in a 13-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter, giving him six in what was a bounceback season for him after he caught just one score last season. Lazard is under contract for two more seasons after he signed a four-year, $44 million contract before the 2023 season.