Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Friday, December 20, 10:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was a full participant in practice on Friday. The 27-year-old did not practice on Wednesday, but was back to a full participant the following two sessions to close out the week. The 6-foot-4 wideout has dealt with back issues seemingly all season long, but it has cost him just one week of playing time. The former second-round draft pick has been Anthony Richardson's preferred target in the passing game over the last four weeks since being reinstated as the starting QB, averaging over five catches per contest, albeit for just 60 yards per game. The fifth-year pro hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, which happened to be against his Week 16 opponent, the Tennessee Titans. Although he found paydirt in that first meeting, he did so on just three catches for 35 yards. With the Titans allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers and with Richardson completing less than 50% of his passes on the season, expectations for Sunday's divisional showdown should be tempered. While the Colts are 3.5-point favorites in this one, there is a low expected total of 42.5 and Pittman Jr. projects as a WR4 this week, so hopefully fantasy managers have other options.

Friday, December 20, 7:34 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in an excellent position to succeed in Week 16. The Seahawks are hosting the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have been one of the worst teams at stopping opposing passing games in fantasy this season. Part of that is due to the fact that the Vikings are so adept at stopping the run. However, their struggles in the passing game are very real. Smith-Njigba has slid into the No. 1 wide receiver role in Seattle's offense this season. He is six yards away from his first 1,000-yard season and he has scored five touchdowns. Smith-Njigba should see plenty of volume this week. The Seahawks are likely going to have to air it out to keep up with the Vikings and avoid their run defense. Smith-Njigba has WR1 upside as a result.