Who Should I Start? Zay Flowers or Ladd McConkey

Sunday, October 12, 11:39 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (shoulder), who was listed as questionable for the Week 6 game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, is officially active for Sunday's contest. Flowers was limited in practice all week but will suit up as the Ravens look to avoid falling to 1-5 on the season. They'll have to do it without star quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) for the second straight week, which won't be easy against L.A. Flowers caught all five of his targets for 72 yards in last week's blowout loss to the Houston Texans, with quarterback Cooper Rush making the start. It wasn't a bad showing for fantasy purposes, all things considered, but expecting a repeat of that performance from Flowers might be wishful thinking this weekend. He's definitely a fade candidate in DFS, and fantasy managers might want to consider benching him in regular leagues, too, as he's expected to play fewer snaps as he battles through his shoulder injury.

Friday, October 17, 6:13 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is riding a wave of momentum after a remarkable seven-catch, 100-yard, one-touchdown game against the Miami Dolphins. It was his second straight week finding the end zone. McConkey currently commands a 20% red zone target share and a 21.8% first read target share, while running the third-most routes in the league (225). Facing a banged-up Indianapolis Colts secondary, McConkey gets a favorable slot matchup, as Indianapolis allows the ninth-most points per game to slot receivers. Even with the likely return of Quentin Johnston (hamstring), McConkey's established role and increased red-zone usage keep him highly valuable. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR17, making him a mid-range WR2 who should be started in all formats in this potential offensive slugfest.