Who Should I Start? Van Jefferson or Jalen Royals

Saturday, November 22, 12:33 PM

Through 10 games this season, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson has recorded 17 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown on 33 targets. While those numbers don't jump off the page, Jefferson has seen an expanded role in his team's offense in recent weeks, earning 19 targets over his last three games played. The 29-year-old also played a season-high 92% of Tennessee's offensive snaps in Week 11 against the Houston Texans. With Titans wideouts Calvin Ridley (leg) and Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) both out, Jefferson could continue to see targets and playing time in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Seattle is a tough matchup for opposing passing games. Through 11 weeks, Seattle is allowing the third-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.2) in the NFL. Expected playing time alone may not be enough to carry Jefferson's fantasy production against the Seahawks. He profiles as a desperation flex option for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 12.

Wednesday, October 8, 11:09 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals missed the first two games of the 2025 season with a knee injury. He's been active in each of the team's last three games, but Royals has not yet been targeted by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The 22-year-old appears buried on Kansas City's wide receiver depth chart behind Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Royals could fall down the depth chart even further in Week 7 when top Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is eligible to return from suspension. Royals maintains some appeal in dynasty leagues, but he should remain off the radar of redraft fantasy managers for the time being.