Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Hakeem Butler

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.

Monday, August 21, 2:31 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Hakeem Butler (undisclosed) with an injury designation. The big-bodied pass-catcher racked up 51 receptions for 599 yards and a league-leading eight touchdown scores in the XFL in 2023 but didn't last very long during his second chance to make it in the NFL. Butler was a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 but did not log a reception for the team, and has zero receptions on one target in two games played with the Philadelphia Eagles in his career. After failing to make the Steelers roster, his NFL career might be over.