Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Wednesday, December 24, 9:39 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has provided a major lift to the passing game since returning in Week 13. McLaurin has compiled 16 catches on 26 targets for 259 receiving yards and two touchdowns, ranking 16th among wide receivers in yards over that span. The 30-year-old wideout has a golden matchup on Christmas Day against a Dallas Cowboys defense that is allowing a league-high 8.8 yards per pass attempt over the last five games. However, the Ohio State product could be catching passes from journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson, with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play after missing two straight practices to open the week. McLaurin still profiles as a solid start with upside in Week 17 as Washington's clear top target, ranking as RotoBaller's WR14 in PPR leagues.

Friday, January 9, 4:00 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was arguably the best pass-catcher in football in 2025, recording 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns on 163 targets. While Smith-Njigba's overall numbers are dominant, his production dropped off slightly down the stretch of the season. After topping 100 receiving yards in eight out of his first 11 games of the year, he hit the century mark just once over his final six contests. Smith-Njigba was also held out of the end zone in three of his last four games. Still, Smith-Njigba earned at least eight targets and recorded six receptions in five straight outings to close the year, and he logged at least 14.4 PPR fantasy points in all but two regular-season appearances. With the Seahawks earning a bye through the first round of the NFC playoffs, Smith-Njigba's first postseason opponent is not yet known. However, regardless of opponent, Smith-Njigba profiles as a high-end wide receiver option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.