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, December 5, 11:23 AM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 20 yards and a touchdown on three targets in his team's 44-30 Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. While the 23-year-old has just eight receptions on the season, four of them have come in the end zone, including two in the last two weeks. TeSlaa has seen extended playing time thanks to the absence of Lions wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle), who has missed two straight games with an ankle injury. Raymond's return timeline is uncertain, but his return would almost certainly cut into TeSlaa's chances in the future. Still, Detroit may continue to utilize TeSlaa as a big-body threat in the red zone with tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. Fantasy managers interested in TeSlaa should monitor Raymond's injury status heading into Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.