Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud or Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Saturday, December 21, 10:22 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught just one of his three targets for 14 yards last week, but it wasn't just McCloud who had a dud. The receiving corps in general underperformed as a result of ineffective passing from Kirk Cousins and from a ground game that was clicking, with the backs totaling 168 rushing yards. The 28-year-old had been much more involved in Weeks 11-14, averaging six catches and over seven targets during that stretch. With Michael Penix Jr. making his first career start on Sunday, how the passing attack will unfold is a bit of an unknown, but if the left-handed quarterback needs a safety blanket, McCloud III could fit the bill. The wideout has the lowest average depth of target out of the first-team receivers with an aDOT of 6.27. The Clemson product is shaping up to be a WR5 this week with perhaps some slight upside in PPR leagues, but it's a risky proposition with the quarterback situation and fantasy playoffs on the line.

Sunday, December 22, 3:10 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is listed as questionable for the team's Monday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Valdes-Scantling did not practice all week. Originally sidelined on Thursday with a chest injury, he was also dealing with an illness that kept him out of the subsequent practices. With Rashid Shaheed (knee) on injured reserve, Chris Olave (concussion) not yet ready to return, and Bub Means (ankle) facing a potential shutdown, the Saints are already thin at wide receiver. If MVS can take the field, fantasy managers cannot expect more of the big plays that made him an alluring flex over the last few weeks. With Derek Carr (hand) nursing injuries of his own, rookie Spencer Rattler will take over under center, downgrading the entire New Orleans offense. Should Valdes-Scantling sit for Week 16, the team will turn to Kevin Austin Jr., Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis to step up.