Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or DK Metcalf

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 16, 12:25 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf found the end zone in Week 2 against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, but was otherwise quiet, finishing with three receptions for 20 yards. While Metcalf leads Pittsburgh in targets, he currently ranks second in both receptions and receiving yards. It's clear he is the team's top wideout, but his 6.5 opportunities per game fall short of true WR1 usage. The silver lining is that the Steelers' defensive struggles are forcing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to pass on over 63% of plays. With so much turnover on offense this season, it may just take time for Metcalf and the rest of the unit to fully click, but the upside is tangible. The 27-year-old is a strong buy-low candidate in fantasy football and should be in starting lineups this week against the New England Patriots, who have surrendered the second-most fantasy points to receivers through two games.