Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Marquise Brown

Saturday, December 27, 9:26 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (wrist) was a full participant in every practice this week and does not carry an injury designation heading into his Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants. After seeing a season-high 76% snap share in Week 15, the veteran pass catcher only played 26% of snaps and ran just 31% of the Raiders' routes in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. This is the first time Lockett saw less than 30% of the team's snaps since Week 7 and the third time all season. With tight end Brock Bowers (knee) going on IR before Week 17, quarterback Geno Smith almost certainly will have to redistribute these targets, benefitting his other pass catchers. Wide receiver Tre Tucker is the most likely beneficiary of this redistribution, but with rookie receiver Jack Bech (back) at risk of missing Week 17 due to a late-week injury, Lockett could easily slide into the WR2 role. Lockett gets a slight bump due to the very favorable matchup against the Giants' paltry pass defense in Week 17 and injuries to his fellow pass catchers, but remains a low-end WR4/Flex in deep leagues.

Wednesday, December 24, 4:30 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will face the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day in Week 17. Brown caught three passes for 22 yards on three targets in last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans. With Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton placed on IR, Brown's role in the passing attack should increase. The veteran receiver should be more involved, but with Chris Oladokun operating as the Chiefs QB1, Brown's upside could be severely capped. Brown will also have to deal with a Denver Broncos defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Brown is ranked WR79 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a difficult player to start in any league regardless of depth or format.