Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Tank Dell

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.

Saturday, December 21, 6:41 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was carted off the field during Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was an ugly scene that had many players in tears on the sideline. After further evaluation, Dell has reportedly suffered a dislocated knee cap. It sounds like the doctors are still determining the next step, but Dell could be forced to undergo surgery. If that happens, Dell could be sidelined for the beginning of next season, which would certainly be a bummer. Dell already suffered a season-ending injury last year, so this would be two years in a row for the young wideout. He hauled in six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown before exiting the contest. The absence of Dell should mean increased roles for Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson.