Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Mason Taylor

Friday, January 2, 3:59 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (illness) has officially been ruled out for the team's Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys due to an illness. The 24-year-old also missed New York's Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders due to illness, so he's apparently dealing with a relatively serious ailment. The 3-13 Giants also have little reason to push Johnson before he's fully healthy, which could be a factor in his absence as well. Across 16 games played in 2025, Johnson recorded 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger saw a significant increase in playing time in Johnson's absence in Week 17, lining up for 97% of New York's offensive snaps. However, Bellinger hauled in just two receptions for 11 yards on three targets and remains difficult for fantasy managers to trust in Week 18.

Friday, January 2, 12:20 PM

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor (neck) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Taylor's rookie campaign will end with four straight missed games due to a neck injury. Head coach Aaron Glenn said that Taylor didn't have a setback with his injury. "Doctor's orders," Glenn said. Jelani Woods (hamstring) will also be out for the Jets this weekend, so Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt will compete for pass-catching duties at TE for the team in the final game of the season. The 21-year-old will wrap up his first year in the NFL with 44 receptions on 65 targets for 369 yards and one touchdown. Taylor wasn't really relevant in 12-team fantasy leagues, and his outlook moving forward will all depend on the Jets' plans at quarterback.