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).

Thursday, January 1, 10:53 AM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa hauled in three of four targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in the 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the Lions' recent offensive struggles, TeSlaa has played well, totaling three catches for 45+ yards and a touchdown in back-to-back weeks. He is on a historic pace for red-zone efficiency, scoring a touchdown on 40% of his receptions this season, all inside the 20-yard line. He faces a Chicago Bears secondary in Week 18 that has allowed the second-most touchdowns to wide receivers this season, making this a potential smash spot for TeSlaa. While his usage and other metrics underwhelm, the rookie receiver continues to add value to his fantasy profile by scoring touchdowns.