Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Arian Smith

Wednesday, December 10, 1:09 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has operated as the team's No. 2 wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton for the vast majority of the season. However, his role in the offense has decreased lately, beginning in Week 13 against the Washington Commanders. The second-year wideout played 37 offensive snaps in that game, his lowest all season at that time, but his 68.8% route share still aligned with his season average of 71.6%. Both marks plummeted in the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, as his snaps were cut in half to just 19 and his route share dipped to a season-low 39.5%. Rookie third-rounder Pat Bryant has seemingly overtaken him as the No. 2 option opposite Sutton. After leading the Broncos in targets for most of the season, Franklin's role has been cut back due to his inconsistent hands and limitations as a run-blocker. He profiles as a low-ceiling flex option heading into Week 15 against a tough Green Bay Packers defense.

Wednesday, November 19, 12:15 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith had his lowest snap share since Week 1 in the team's 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11. Smith played just 15.8% of the snaps and ran 21.2% of the routes, both significantly lower than his season averages. It seems the rookie wideout has moved into a depth role after the Jets acquired two wide receivers at the trade deadline in John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. Smith wasn't a fantasy-relevant option to begin with, catching six of 10 targets for 47 yards in 10 games this season.