Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Trey McBride

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.

Saturday, December 20, 4:02 PM

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a top fantasy option despite a difficult matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. On paper, it may appear that the odds are stacked against McBride. Not only is he facing a Falcons defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but he could also face additional competition if Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel, questionable) returns from his two-game absence. However, McBride has consistently established himself as matchup-proof this year, so he should feast despite facing Atlanta. Furthermore, he could still lead the team in targets and catches, even if Harrison does return to the mix. In total this year, the 26-year-old has 105 catches, 1,071 yards, and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He is on track to finish this year as the overall TE1 in PPR leagues after finishing 2024 as the TE2. McBride has especially benefited from the presence of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In full-PPR leagues, he averaged 12.5 fantasy points per game with Kyler Murray (foot) as the starter, and a whopping 23.3 fantasy points per game with Brissett as the starter. We should expect more otherworldly, video-game numbers from McBride this week. He's the undisputed TE1 in this week's fantasy rankings and should be a must-start as the fantasy playoffs continue.