Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Ladd McConkey

Friday, January 10, 12:10 PM

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) will not require surgery for the fractured back that he played through late in the 2024 season. "One tough dude. Example of what you want," Ballard said. It's a testament to Pittman's toughness that he missed just one game due to his back injury. But the 27-year-old's back issues and inconsistent play from the quarterback position in Indianapolis in 2024 led to Pittman posting only 808 receiving yards -- his fewest since his rookie season in 2020 -- to go with 69 receptions (also his lowest mark since 2020) and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Better health will give him a chance to rebound in 2025, but his overall upside might be dependent on quarterback Anthony Richardson's health and his ability to improve as a passer.

Saturday, January 11, 11:43 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey was the lone bright spot of the Chargers Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday. McConkey was targeted 14 times, making nine catches for 197 yards and a touchdown. The rookie's touchdown was an 86-yard play and the only one the Bolts would score in the game. While McConkey made his nine catches for 197 yards, the entire rest of the Chargers offense made five catches for 45 yards total. It was a rough performance by the LA offense, but McConkey shone through and truly established himself as an every week fantasy starter in his rookie year.