Who Should I Start? Tim Patrick or Kalif Raymond

Tuesday, December 9, 2:02 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on six targets during Sunday's win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Patrick posted season-best marks in catches and yards while scoring his third touchdown of the year. The 32-year-old wideout saw an uptick in snaps with Parker Washington (hip) out of the lineup, playing 65.6% of the offensive snaps, his second-highest mark of the season. Patrick was acquired by the Jaguars from the Detroit Lions before the start of the regular season, and while he hasn't played a massive role, he's earned at least four targets in three of the past four games. Patrick still profiles as more of a deep-league option, but that could change if he stacks another performance like this. He'll be worth considering as a deep-league flex play in Week 15 against the New York Jets if Washington misses another game.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:32 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond had his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Raymond could see an expanded role again in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as top Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, if St. Brown is active, there's reason to believe Raymond's performance in Week 16 is unlikely to be repeated. Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw 54 passes against Pittsburgh, 17 more than he attempted in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9. Additionally, Minnesota has been a very tough matchup for opposing passing attacks. The Vikings enter the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Raymond has some upside as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers if St. Brown is sidelined. If St. Brown is active, fantasy managers should likely avoid Raymond in Week 17.