"This is our moment. Everything we've been through is for this... moment. Everything you got, every single play, and let's find a way to win a football game." - Patrick Mahomes II ahead of Super Bowl LVIII. This is our Super Bowl, folks. It's time to find a way to win the football game. Xavier Worthy, Calvin Austin III, or Michael Pittman Jr. start/sit decisions could be the difference between immortality (a fantasy championship with coworkers or friends) and obscurity (second place).
When in doubt, check out the customizable rankings page for all start-sit questions.
WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Let me know if this sounds familiar. A Chiefs rookie wide receiver starts the season slowly, everyone gets frustrated with their fantasy output, and then after the bye week, they're more involved in the offense and strike fantasy gold. Rashee Rice never had more than eight touches before his bye week in 2023, then was a league-winner to close out the season. Xavier Worthy was in the same boat, but since his bye week in Week 6, he's had seven or more touches in seven of nine matchups. His usage has increased and he's gone from a fun role player to an integral part of the offense. A player with his speed and route-running ability in an Andy Reid offense is a flex-worthy option at worst (pun very much intended).
Recommendation: Start
WR Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers
Austin has a similar build and speed as Xavier Worthy but hasn't had the same involvement in his offense on a week-over-week basis. He's only had five or more targets five times, and two of those games were with George Pickens sidelined. Kansas City isn't nearly the favorable matchup that the Baltimore Ravens were last week, and a short week could cause some fluky things to happen on offense. Unless Austin is the recipient of a big play, it's unlikely he will give fantasy managers enough points in the last matchup of the season. With reports that Pickens could be active this week, Austin is a riskier start than Xavier Worthy and should stay on benches.
Recommendation: Sit
WR Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
He's historically volumed his way to fantasy relevance. There's one problem: the volume isn't there anymore. Pittman is on track for the lowest target total of his career and is on the receiving end of some erratic Anthony Richardson passes. With Josh Downs back from injury, he's the number-one target for the offense and the chain mover. Alec Pierce is the deep threat, and Adonai Mitchell is a thorn in everyone's side that won't go away. If Pittman can't be fantasy-relevant in a 38-point showing against the Tennessee Titans, what hope would fantasy managers have in their championship matchups? For teams with Pittman on their roster, look to pivot to a player like Xavier Worthy or some waiver wire options rather than plugging in a low volume, low touchdown upside option.
Recommendation: Sit
Final Thoughts
Wide receivers are extremely reliant on their quarterback play. Especially those on the cusp of start/sit decisions like Xavier Worthy, Michael Pittman Jr., and Calvin Austin III. When in doubt, pick the starting receiver tied to the best quarterback with a good matchup. Check the weekly rankings to help maximize those lineups and bring home a championship.
