Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Jayden Daniels

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, 6:32 PM

According to Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, quarterback Jayden Daniels (leg) was held out for the remainder of Sunday's narrow win over the Cowboys due to "leg soreness." "It wasn't a plan going in," said Quinn. "But he had some mild soreness in his leg, I just kind of made the decision to honestly say, 'Let's go with Marcus.'" It doesn't appear as if the injury is anything serious, although Daniels' ailment will likely be a topic of conversation throughout the week heading into Wild-Card weekend. If he can't go, which will unlikely be the case, Marcus Mariota, who had a quality showing on Sunday, would likely get the start.