Who Should I Start? Tyreik McAllister or Demario Douglas

Saturday, August 24, 10:23 AM

Las Vegas wide receiver Tyreik McAllister is making a compelling case for a roster spot with the Raiders, showcasing his versatility and special teams prowess. He caught two passes for 56 yards and a touchdown while rushing seven yards on one attempt in Friday's preseason tie against the San Francisco 49ers. After a standout performance against the 49ers, where he dazzled with a 35-yard touchdown catch and an electrifying 81-yard punt return, McAllister is turning heads. Originally a running back, his transition to wide receiver adds depth to his utility on the field, making him an intriguing pick for fantasy football enthusiasts looking for a sleeper. His background in the CFL and time on the Broncos' practice squad have honed his special teams skills, which could be his ticket onto the final 53-man roster. For fantasy managers in deep leagues, McAllister represents a late-round flier, especially if he secures a role that includes return duties for leagues that reward return yards.

Monday, December 23, 2:36 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught four of his five targets for 33 yards during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The dependable slot receiver continued to demonstrate his rapport with Drake Maye, but he was still less productive than Kayshon Boutte, Austin Hooper, and Hunter Henry in the pass-catching department. New England does not have an alpha receiver, but they have enough dispersed talent in the passing game that it has become challenging to trust Douglas (or any Patriots wide receiver) on a weekly basis. If there's one thing working in the 24-year-old's favor, it's his increased role around the goal line. He scored a touchdown last week against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was so close to finding the end zone again this Sunday, but replay review determined that Douglas' alleged one-yard touchdown grab actually came loose and hit the ground before he had full control. Regardless of the officials' ruling, it's promising to see Maye look Douglas' way in key situations, especially as the Patriots' offense shows more and more signs of life down the stretch. Douglas ranks as a fantasy WR4 with legitimate WR3 upside. He can be started in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams when he takes on the Los Angeles Chargers next Saturday.