Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or DeVonta Smith

Friday, January 16, 5:21 PM

The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. sits atop the list of potential big names that the Colts could part with this offseason due to salary considerations, mutual decision, or poor performance. Pittman pretty much admitted after the season finale in Week 18 that he could have played his last game with the team. He has a $29 million salary cap hit in 2026, but the Colts would clear $24 million in cap space with only $5 million in dead money if they release him. Boyd thinks Pittman will either have to restructure his contract with Indy or play elsewhere next season. The sense is that Pittman doesn't want to leave, but Alec Pierce took over as the Colts' top wideout in 2025, with Pittman catching 80 passes for 784 yards (second-fewest of his career), although he did have a career-high seven touchdowns.

Wednesday, January 7, 11:23 AM

Across 17 games in 2025, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith recorded 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets. While the 27-year-old's season-long numbers are solid, he ended the year on somewhat of a cold streak. Over his last six games played, Smith recorded more than 10 PPR points just once. However, Smith remains the clear second option in the Eagles' passing game alongside wideout A.J. Brown. Philadelphia also has a relatively favorable matchup in the first round of the NFL playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. In the regular season, San Francisco's defense ranked 23rd among all NFL units in passing yards allowed (4,110) and tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed (29). Smith should have a chance to make plays, particularly if the 49ers' high-powered offense forces Philadelphia into a shootout. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues can view Smith as a solid wide receiver option entering the postseason.