Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Justin Jefferson

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 3:33 PM

For fantasy managers weighing whether to start Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, the better question is how much they trust an offense led by an undrafted rookie quarterback. Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy (hand) will miss his seventh game of the season, and backup Carson Wentz (shoulder) is out for the year, leaving rookie Max Brosmer to take the reins. To say Brosmer's first start went poorly would be putting it mildly: he threw four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and Jefferson finished with a paltry two catches for four yards. The superstar has routinely torched the Lions in his career, gaining more than 1,200 receiving yards and scoring five touchdowns in 11 games against them. Detroit ranks dead last in the NFL in air yards allowed, so the matchup is a good one for Jefferson, albeit with the significant risk of relying upon Brosmer. The offense likely will run through running back Aaron Jones Sr. and Jefferson, the latter of whom should be considered a high-risk WR2.