Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Troy Franklin

Saturday, December 6, 9:43 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers elevated wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to the team's official website. Valdes-Scantling signed with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason but was released before the season began. The veteran was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played five games and recorded four receptions for 40 yards on eight targets before being waived again. He then signed to Pittsburgh's practice squad on Nov. 4 and is now set to make his team debut in Week 14's divisional matchup against the Ravens. The Steelers have been searching for playmakers at wide receiver all season to complement DK Metcalf, and recently signed veteran Adam Thielen to the practice squad. Valdes-Scantling should have the opportunity for playing time this weekend, but he is most likely to disappoint in his first game with Pittsburgh as a boom/bust deep threat.

Wednesday, December 10, 1:09 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has operated as the team's No. 2 wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton for the vast majority of the season. However, his role in the offense has decreased lately, beginning in Week 13 against the Washington Commanders. The second-year wideout played 37 offensive snaps in that game, his lowest all season at that time, but his 68.8% route share still aligned with his season average of 71.6%. Both marks plummeted in the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, as his snaps were cut in half to just 19 and his route share dipped to a season-low 39.5%. Rookie third-rounder Pat Bryant has seemingly overtaken him as the No. 2 option opposite Sutton. After leading the Broncos in targets for most of the season, Franklin's role has been cut back due to his inconsistent hands and limitations as a run-blocker. He profiles as a low-ceiling flex option heading into Week 15 against a tough Green Bay Packers defense.