Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Matthew Golden

Tuesday, December 30, 6:11 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling figures to be heavily targeted again in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday night against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, with DK Metcalf suspended one more game. In Sunday's upset loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, Valdes-Scantling drew a season-high nine targets, hauling in three of them for a mediocre 21 receiving yards. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher has only five catches on 14 targets for 46 yards and one touchdown in his four games since joining Pittsburgh. MVS hasn't really been on the same page as quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his target share could be affected if Calvin Austin III (hamstring) returns in a must-win Week 18 contest that will decide the winner of the AFC North. At best, Valdes-Scantling will be a deep-league dart throw as a WR5/flex versus Baltimore this weekend.

Tuesday, December 30, 9:37 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has had an underwhelming rookie season, recording 28 catches for 353 yards on 41 targets across 13 games. The 22-year-old is still searching for his first NFL touchdown heading into the team's regular season finale in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. Golden has also been impacted by injury in the second half of the season, missing multiple games in November due to a wrist injury. On a more positive note, Golden played 53% of Green Bay's offensive snaps in Week 17, his largest snap share in any game since Week 8. Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) suffered a concussion early in Week 17, allowing a pathway to playing time for Golden. Green Bay enters Week 18 locked into the number seven seed in the NFC playoffs, so the team has little incentive to rush Wicks back to the field. The Packers could also choose to be cautious with top wideouts Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. Golden could be in line for a significant uptick in playing time in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.