Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Christian Kirk

Wednesday, December 31, 2:22 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is expected to play in a Week 18 game against the Dolphins, days after being charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The Patriots released a statement on Tuesday, showing support for their 32-year-old receiver, and with Diggs' arraignment not scheduled until January 23rd, it does not appear that any punishment or suspension is imminent. Diggs enters the week with 82 receptions and 970 yards, and with contract incentives for both 90 receptions and 1,000 yards, it would come as no surprise if he is heavily involved on Sunday. The number one seed in the AFC is still in play for the Patriots, and they are expected to play their starters, so their final game against Miami is one to be looked at by any fantasy managers still playing for a Week 18 championship.

Friday, December 26, 9:03 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk is coming off one of his best games of the season last week against the Raiders, as the veteran played his most snaps (39) since Week 9 and had his most targets (5) since Week 12. He'll have a tougher matchup this week against the Chargers on Saturday and is a high-risk play for fantasy purposes since his role is still extremely shaky. He finishes second on the team in receiving yards and tied for second in targets last week, though, so it's possible he'll continue to trend up as the Texans continue their playoff push. Since he only has 25 catches for 241 yards and a touchdown this season, Kirk is a high-risk option in this tough matchup in Los Angeles, and he's just the No. 67 WR in RotoBaller's rankings. He can be left on the bench or waiver wire in most leagues, but it is worth monitoring his involvement to see if last week's performance was a matchup-based outlier or the start of a trend.