Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Jerry Jeudy

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.

Saturday, December 27, 9:30 AM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has had a quiet season and is unlikely to make an impact in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last week against the Buffalo Bills, Jeudy played just 72% of the offensive snaps, his lowest snap share since Week 12, yet still posted a 94% route participation rate. The veteran wide-out brought in three of his four targets for 12 yards, which has been his average target share since rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders took over as the starter in Week 12. Despite this low production, Jeudy is still running routes on nearly every drop-back and remains the preferred wide receiver option, accounting for 38% of all WR targets over the last five games. Rain is expected in Cleveland at kickoff, which may put a damper on an already lackluster Browns air attack. Even though the Steelers' pass defense has given up the third-most passing yards per game this season in the league, they have stiffened since Week 13, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jeudy profiles as a deep-league WR4/FLEX due to his opportunities and large target share, which may increase if rookie tight end Harold Fannin J. (groin) misses Week 17 due to his injury sustained during Friday's practice.