Who Should I Start? Trey McBride or Jayden Reed

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.

Thursday, December 18, 4:49 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (personal matter - not injury related) put in a full practice on Friday and is good to go for the Packers' Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Reed has seen his production climb over the last two weeks he's been active, and in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, Reed led the team in targets (six), with five receptions for 55 yards. With Christian Watson (chest) questionable after two limited practice sessions, both Reed and Romeo Doubs could slide up in the pecking order for quarterback Jordan Love. Reed has been targeted once on every five routes (21% targets per route run) in Weeks 14 and 15, and should see quite a bit of attention from Love in a game the Packers sorely need. Slot in Reed as a high-end flex for fantasy purposes in Week 16 against the Bears.