Who Should I Start? Zach Pascal or Ray-Ray McCloud

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, December 21, 10:22 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught just one of his three targets for 14 yards last week, but it wasn't just McCloud who had a dud. The receiving corps in general underperformed as a result of ineffective passing from Kirk Cousins and from a ground game that was clicking, with the backs totaling 168 rushing yards. The 28-year-old had been much more involved in Weeks 11-14, averaging six catches and over seven targets during that stretch. With Michael Penix Jr. making his first career start on Sunday, how the passing attack will unfold is a bit of an unknown, but if the left-handed quarterback needs a safety blanket, McCloud III could fit the bill. The wideout has the lowest average depth of target out of the first-team receivers with an aDOT of 6.27. The Clemson product is shaping up to be a WR5 this week with perhaps some slight upside in PPR leagues, but it's a risky proposition with the quarterback situation and fantasy playoffs on the line.