Who Should I Start? Nico Collins or Ladd McConkey

Friday, December 12, 10:20 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains the clear go-to option in the Texans' passing game, and he's in a great spot this week at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Collins hauled in four receptions on eight targets for 121 yards in last Sunday's 20-10 win over the Chiefs, and he now has 75+receiving yards in five of his last six games. Collins is up to 916 receiving yards for the season and can get to 1,000 with a good showing this week against the Cardinals, who have allowed four wide receiver touchdowns in the last two weeks and nine on the season, while giving up 146.8 yards per week to the position. Collins is the No. 7 WR in RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, making him a top starting option in just about all formats in this matchup this week, as he continues to be C.J. Stroud's go-to option as the Texans make their playoff push.

Saturday, December 13, 12:18 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey participated in limited practices this week due to a foot issue but does not carry an injury designation and is expected to remain the primary target in the passing game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last week, McConkey led the team with five targets and 144 air yards but caught only one pass for 12 yards as the Philadelphia Eagles effectively shut down the Chargers' pass attack. Facing a Chiefs defense that has surrendered the ninth-fewest passing yards this season, McConkey will likely draw slot coverage from Chamarri Connor, who allows a high 85.4% catch rate but a low 7.8 aDOT. This points to the Chiefs being vulnerable to volume underneath, which is exactly where McConkey excels when Justin Herbert is under pressure. If fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) misses the game, expect even more targets and usage. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR24 this week, making him a risky low-end WR2 with upside thanks to his high air yard share and red zone looks, despite the tough matchup and offensive struggles.