Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Tyler Johnson

Saturday, September 6, 4:32 PM

The San Francisco 49ers have elevated veteran wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. from the practice squad, meaning he will see his first game action since 2022. Gage missed the past two seasons after suffering a torn patellar tendon, but was previously a reliable WR3 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Tom Brady. The 49ers' receiver room is in shambles, with Brandon Aiyuk, Jacob Cowing, and Demarcus Robinson all sidelined. Gage has a chance to see the field in Week 1 as he's expected to serve as the team's WR5 and play limited snaps if needed. While fantasy production isn't likely, simply seeing Gage back on the field after such a long recovery is a great story and an encouraging sign for San Francisco's depth moving forward.

Wednesday, November 12, 8:56 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson is due for an elevated workload in Week 11's road clash with the New England Patriots. The sixth-year pro notched back-to-back three-catch efforts ahead of his bye week, posting at least 60 yards in each contest, although he failed to reel in his lone target in last weekend's win over the Browns, while Justin Fields netted 42 passing yards. Things won't be much easier against their division rivals, considering New England has allowed the sixth-fewest points (19.2) and eighth-fewest yards (306.2) per game. Johnson might be an ok flier in DFS formats, but shouldn't be on fantasy managers' radars in conventional lineup leagues. Even with the suspected uptick in volume, an up-and-down Jets' offense limits the 27-year-old's ceiling. He'll wind up as RotoBaller's PPR WR77 for his outing with the Patriots.