Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or JuJu Smith-Schuster

Monday, January 13, 12:26 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans caught all seven of his targets for 92 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Washington Commanders. He once again established himself as the top target for Baker Mayfield, but it wasn't nearly enough as the Buccaneers fell to the Commanders on a last-second field goal. Evans is coming off a storybook 2024 campaign in which he delivered his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season despite missing three games due to injury. The 31-year-old has cemented himself as a high-end WR2 on a yearly basis, with plenty of weekly appearances in the WR1 range throughout his career. Even as he enters his 12th NFL season with time not on his side, Evans remains a top wide receiver and should be regarded as a high-end WR2 heading into 2025 fantasy football.

Saturday, January 4, 2:02 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Smith-Schuster appeared to be the Chiefs WR1 in the wake of Rashee Rice's injury, but then he also lost time to injury. By the time he returned, Kansas City had acquired DeAndre Hopkins, and Xavier Worthy had become more integrated into the offense. This week, Smith-Schuster could find himself with a more significant role, given the state of the team. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, meaning they are inclined to rest their starters in anticipation of the playoffs. If the starters rest and Smith-Schuster plays, he could be an interesting PPR play due to the routes he runs. That said, the veteran receiver must rely on Carson Wentz throwing him the football. Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest and likely will not suit up. Another obstacle Smith-Schuster will have to contend with is the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The 28-year-old is ranked WR76 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deep flex option this week. Fantasy managers starting Smith-Schuster will have to hope for a touchdown.