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.

Sunday, October 12, 8:54 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught seven of his nine targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 6 win over the Miami Dolphins. He ultimately led the team in targets and receiving yards, and he also tied for first in receptions. The 23-year-old had an underwhelming start to the season, but he seems to have turned the corner over the last two weeks. During that two-game span, he has totaled 12 catches, 139 yards, and two touchdowns. This week, he also benefited from the absence of Quentin Johnston (hamstring), but we don't expect McConkey to endure much of a decline when Johnston does return. His production is probably more connected to the effectiveness of the backfield, which isn't a guarantee anymore with Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) sidelined. With a solidified role and momentum on his side, McConkey should rank as a high-end WR2 ahead of Week 7 against the Colts.