Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Isaac TeSlaa

Saturday, August 16, 11:52 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith caught all four of his targets for 48 receiving yards during Saturday's preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also rushed for five yards. Smith has been quite productive this summer. He paced the team with 55 receiving yards last week, and he now has a total of eight touches and 108 scrimmage yards through two preseason contests. NFL opportunities have been few and far between for the 27-year-old Florida A&M product, but he did total six receiving yards, 36 rushing yards, and a pair of first downs in 2024. Los Angeles' first four wide receiver spots are essentially locked up, which means they only have two or three spots to divide over seven remaining receivers (Smith, Tru Edwards, Mario Williams, Konata Mumpfield, Drake Stoops, Britain Covey, and Brennan Presley).

Wednesday, December 24, 10:26 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa posted his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Although the 23-year-old has hauled in just 12 receptions across 15 games this season, five of them have gone for touchdowns. TeSlaa has seen his playing time spike in recent weeks, as he's played at least 40 offensive snaps in four straight games after failing to play more than 28 snaps in any of Detroit's first 11 contests. He may have an even greater role in his team's offense in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, Minnesota enters the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9, TeSlaa did not record a catch or earn a target. If St. Brown is active, TeSlaa should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 17.