Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Kaleb Johnson

Thursday, December 18, 6:35 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has scored a touchdown in two of three games since returning in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. McLaurin hauled in a 51-yard catch-and-run touchdown in last week's win over the Giants for his longest play since Week 3 against the Raiders. The 30-year-old wideout leads the Commanders in targets (22), receptions (13), and yards (206) since returning, ranking as the WR14 in PPR points per game (15.2) in that span. McLaurin draws a tougher matchup in Week 16 against a stingy Eagles secondary, but he's historically played well against the division rival, averaging 5.3 catches with 76.4 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 12 career games against them. McLaurin ranks as RotoBaller's WR19 in PPR leagues in Week 16.

Friday, December 19, 11:21 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson continues to be one of the most disappointing rookies from the 2025 draft class. The 22-year-old Iowa product played a marginal role once again last week, amassing two carries for four rushing yards on a 3% snap share in the Steelers' win over the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. In total this year, he has 28 carries, 69 rushing yards, one catch, and nine receiving yards. He hasn't earned more than six touches in a single game, and he has played more than 12% of the offensive snaps in just two contests. It's not like Johnson has been relegated to special teams, either. He has just 11 special teams snaps this year and hasn't handled a single kick or punt return since a Week 2 blunder in the end zone that directly resulted in an opponent touchdown. Johnson and his fantasy managers are certainly ready to close the book on the 2025 season and turn the page to next year. With Kenneth Gainwell set to hit free agency in March, Johnson could have a chance to carve out a fantasy-relevant role behind Jaylen Warren in 2026.