Who Should I Start? Trey McBride or Jack Bech

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.

Saturday, December 20, 8:18 AM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Jack Bech was pretty quiet in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, logging two receptions for 17 yards off three targets. Notably, the young pass catcher's playtime was remarkably consistent between Weeks 14 and 15. In both games, Bech played 81% of the snaps, ran 82% of the team's routes, and had two targets with over ten air yards. The rookie wide receiver has a terrible matchup in Week 16 on the road against the Houston Texans and their top-rated defense, which is likely to hamper his fantasy production. Bech is quarterback Geno Smith's (shoulder, back) fourth or fifth receiving option, but he is carving out his niche and potential future with the Raiders heading into the season's final weeks. As a result, the rookie remains relevant only in dynasty leagues as a stash and is unlikely to warrant a starting position in Week 16 for redraft leagues.