During this week, fantasy football enthusiasts find themselves facing a challenging situation with a slew of injuries. While there are standout pick-up-and-start players like Isaac Guerendo, most of us are left with questionable bench warmers. These players possess both upside and significant downside, making the decision-making process quite complex.

Optimize Your Fantasy Football Choices in the Face of Injuries

QB: Geno Smith (at ARZ) vs. Caleb Williams (at SF)

Geno Smith currently ranks as QB12, with the second-most pass attempts and third-most passing yards. However, his 13:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio is less than inspiring. On the other hand, Caleb Williams ranks seventh in pass attempts but 16th in yards, and his 60.9 completion percentage is among the worst. Both face below-average fantasy matchups. The Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears are road underdogs with a mid-range over/under. Seattle has a slightly higher implied team total. In a close call, game theory can be helpful. If your opponent starts receivers from either team, using the QB throwing to their receivers could offset their fantasy gains. Considering your roster's volatility, the decision becomes crucial. With five touchdowns and no interceptions in his past two games against tough opponents, Caleb Williams seems like the better choice unless there are specific caveats.

Smith's rushing ability is notable, with two rushing touchdowns and 226 rushing yards. Williams, on the other hand, ranks sixth in rushing yards with more yards per carry than Lamar Jackson. But he has yet to score a rushing touchdown to supplement his 14 passing TDs.

RB: Nick Chubb (at PIT) vs. Rachaad White (vs. LV)

Nick Chubb was warmly received by the fantasy community in Week 7 but has had a bumpy ride since then. His two rushing touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 stand out. He also scored last week on a short reception. Pittsburgh's defense is stellar against the pass but not typically a problem for Chubb's ball security.Rachaad White, currently RB27 in half-PPR scoring, has been phased out of the Bucs' passing game lately, with only two targets in his past two games. His carries haven't decreased, but Bucky Irving's stock is rising. Irving had a great game against the Carolina Panthers but suffered a minor hip injury. The Bucs take on Las Vegas at home with a high implied team total.Considering these factors, Chubb seems like the sure-thing workload choice. While White could produce 8-plus fantasy points, Chubb is expected to be in the mid-teens with touchdown appeal.

RB: Tank Bigsby (at TEN) vs. Isiah Pacheco (vs. LAC)

Isiah Pacheco has played in only three games this season but leads in fantasy points per game. The Los Angeles Chargers have a tough defense, allowing the fewest points per game. The Kansas City Chiefs are only 3.5-point favorites at home. Kareem Hunt's presence also affects Pacheco's role. He saw seven carries and one target in his return from injury last week.Tank Bigsby returned from an ankle injury in Week 13 but may not have been 100 percent. He was out-touched by Travis Etienne Jr. but was more efficient. While Bigsby has a chance to shine, there are concerns about team morale and the run defense in Tennessee.In this matchup, Pacheco seems to have a better chance with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid likely to game plan an effective role for him in a tough divisional matchup.

WR: Jordan Addison (vs. ATL) vs. Christian Watson (at DET)

Jordan Addison has been a volatile fantasy option. He had a great game against the Bears but only two receptions for 25 yards against the Jaguars. He dominates division rivals and is on offense frequently. The Atlanta Falcons give up the seventh-most fantasy points to WRs, and Minnesota is a home favorite with a high team total.Christian Watson had an amazing Week 11 but followed it up with zero catches in Week 12 and 2/67 in Week 13. He is the definition of low floor/high ceiling. Romeo Doubs is in concussion protocol, creating an opportunity for Watson. Detroit has a tough defense, allowing the fewest points per game, but the game is expected to be high-scoring.In this case, Addison seems like the better choice unless your opponent starts Jordan Love. Both players have a high ceiling, but Sam Darnold has been more prolific this season.

WR: Khalil Shakir (at LAR) vs. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (vs. JAX)

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's touchdown rate is unsustainable, but he is good at catching touchdowns. The Buffalo Bills' wide receivers have been frustrating, with no standout player like Ja'Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson. Shakir leads Bills receivers in targets, catches, and yards but has only two touchdowns. The Los Angeles Rams have an average pass defense that has improved in the second half.Considering these factors, Shakir seems like the better choice. He was close to a bigger game in Week 13, and the Bills have a good record at SoFi Stadium.

TE: Grant Calcaterra (vs. CAR) vs. Tucker Kraft (at DET)

With Dallas Goedert likely out with a knee injury, there is room for a fantasy-worthy pass-catcher in the Philadelphia Eagles offense. Carolina is a dream matchup for a bye-week filler. The Panthers have a bad defense. Grant Calcaterra could fill in, but he hasn't impressed enough.The Packers' pass offense is murky, with no clear pecking order. Tucker Kraft's opportunities have varied greatly, with one target in Week 12 and seven in Week 13. He has six receiving touchdowns and is second in receiving yards.In this case, Tucker Kraft is the better choice as a backup TE. He offers a better combination of floor and ceiling.