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).

Friday, November 7, 9:53 PM

Heading into Week 10, Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has now gone three games since recording his last reception. The 23-year-old has two touchdown catches on the season, but he's hauled in just three passes for 54 yards on six targets across eight games played. The Lions have a favorable matchup on paper against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. Through nine weeks, the Commanders rank last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.8) and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed (19). Still, TeSlaa is buried on the target pecking order in Detroit behind wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. TeSlaa maintains some long-term fantasy appeal, but he can't be trusted as a starting wide receiver in Week 10.