Who Should I Start? Zach Pascal or Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Sunday, January 7, 2:59 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Zach Pascal (hamstring) is officially active for Week 18 versus the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging limited practices on Thursday and Friday. Nevertheless, he has caught just four passes for 19 yards this season and remains off the fantasy radar. Look for Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch to operate as the Cardinals' top wide receivers while Trey McBride and James Conner also handle key pass-catching roles.

Saturday, January 4, 4:18 AM

After opening the week with a limited session, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) practiced in full for a second consecutive day and has no designation going into the team's Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 30-year-old was sidelined in Week 16 due to a combination of a back issue and illness that interrupted his rehab. In Week 17, he was active though a massive hit in the fourth quarter took him out of the game early. Even though he will be active, it will be hard to rely on MVS for fantasy purposes. His success earlier this season was tied to touchdowns and big gains on deep passes. In his three biggest games he racked up 232 yards and four touchdowns but did so on just ten targets. Spencer Rattler will be under center again for the season finale and while he has shown decent arm strength as a spot starter, his accuracy (or lack thereof) will not do MVS any favors. His potential would be further dampened by the return of Chris Olave (concussion) who is listed as questionable. Valdes-Scantling was a bright spot for a few weeks in 2024 but he should not be in a starting lineup in Week 18.