Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Ladd McConkey

Tuesday, October 7, 10:26 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.

Monday, October 6, 5:51 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey finally reached the end zone on Sunday, catching five of seven targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the team's 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. It was a much-needed bounce-back after last week's poor performance, demonstrating that he can be trusted again in short-yardage and red-zone situations. He also had a 57-yard punt return touchdown called back by a penalty, one of 10 penalties that disrupted L.A.'s rhythm all day. With rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) placed on IR, the Chargers might need to rely more on their receivers, and McConkey's dependable hands could earn him more targets against a vulnerable Miami Dolphins secondary in Week 6.