Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Theo Johnson

Saturday, December 20, 1:33 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was effective in Week 15, catching three passes for 45 yards, and will hope to stay involved in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. Though the Lions have struggled against the pass this season, the majority of production they have allowed has come from opposing wide receivers. Still, this isn't necessarily a matchup to avoid, especially given the game's healthy projected point total. The concern for Freiermuth remains his volatile role, as Pittsburgh continues to split opportunities fairly evenly among him, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Fantasy managers in deep formats who are desperate at the position could look to stream Freiermuth in hopes of a touchdown, but the 27-year-old should be left on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.

Saturday, December 20, 11:23 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson has established a consistent floor for production as the team's TE1. Johnson has recorded at least three receptions in 11 of 14 games this season and has served as one of the Giants' most explosive playmakers. The 24-year-old leads all tight ends with three games of at least three receptions and a yards per reception of 20 yards or more. His three highest yardage totals have come in the past five games, but he hasn't found the end zone since Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson profiles as a TE2 for Sunday's matchup against a tough Minnesota Vikings defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown through the air in five straight weeks.