Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, September 13, 3:22 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling saw zero targets on 15 routes run in Week 1. With George Kittle (hamstring) now on injured reserve and Jauan Jennings (shoulder) tagged as questionable for San Francisco's Week 2 matchup against the Saints, it is possible that Valdes-Scantling plays a bigger role on Sunday. Unfortunately, Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) has been ruled out so it will be Mac Jones under center, limiting Valdes-Scantling's upside even if he does see more playing time. MVS does have the ability to stretch the field but Jones' career completion rate on passes of 20 or more air yards is a mere 30%, effectively negating that threat. If it were Purdy running the show, Valdes-Scantling would have more potential but as it is, he has little viability in Week 2.

Tuesday, September 23, 4:37 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in three of his five targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 win over the New England Patriots. Although Austin was quiet in Week 2, his numbers through the first three games of the season are shockingly similar to teammate DK Metcalf's. Metcalf leads the Steelers in targets, but Austin is averaging more yards per reception while building chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He has been on the receiving end of two deep touchdown passes, both thrown by Rodgers with the game on the line. While fantasy managers would be wise to avoid starting him against the stout Minnesota Vikings defense, Austin should be rostered heading into Week 4.