Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Ladd McConkey

Friday, November 22, 7:14 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has been a low-end flex option throughout most of the season. He checks in as such in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, but it comes with a lot of risk. Lockett's usage out of the Seahawks' Week 10 bye was puzzling and could be prescriptive for the rest of the season. Lockett was clearly operating as the Seahawks' No. 3 wide receiver in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. In his last three games played, Lockett has only averaged 3.3 targets per game after averaging 6.6 targets per game over his first seven games. The emergence of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a preferred target for quarterback Geno Smith is eating significantly into Lockett's volume. With the Seahawks switching to a less pass-heavy attack after the bye week, there may not be enough targets to go around for the Seahawks' top three wide receivers. With six teams on a bye this week, Lockett is still a risky flex play.

Friday, November 22, 4:55 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) returned to practice on Friday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. This is a great sign, as McConkey was listed as a DNP during Thursday's initial session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Saturday's practice, as it will likely provide some clarity on his availability for Monday's game. McConkey sustained this injury during last Sunday's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In this game, the Georgia product posted a season-high 123 yards off six receptions. If McConkey can suit up on Monday, he should be viewed as a must-start option facing a Baltimore secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.