Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or D.K. Metcalf

Tuesday, January 14, 7:18 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib, rest) was held out of the team's first practice of the week on Tuesday. With rest also listed next to Ertz's name on the first injury report of the Divisional Round, it's likely that his rib injury won't be serious enough to keep him sidelined this Saturday versus the Detroit Lions, but we'll keep a close eye on his practice status the next two days. As long as the 34-year-old veteran gets back onto the field the next two days, he should be available this weekend on the road in Motor City. Ertz became a much bigger part of the Commanders' offense in the second half of the season, but he was a disappointment in the three-point wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night, catching just two passes for 23 yards. In a game in which the Commander will likely have to throw often this Saturday, Ertz is a prime bounce-back candidate for fantasy managers.

Sunday, January 5, 8:25 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Metcalf was tied for second on the team in targets with five on Sunday. Metcalf's three receptions were still concerning considering he has not caught more than four passes since Week 11. Metcalf will finish the season eight yards shy of the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career. Metcalf began 2024 on fire, but he did not have the same production after returning from an MCL sprain halfway through the season. With Seattle headed into their offseason after missing the playoffs, they will look to retool their roster. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Seattle's personnel moves and the evolution of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Hopefully, Metcalf can bounce back for fantasy managers in 2025.