Who Should I Start? Adonai Mitchell or Arian Smith

Wednesday, September 24, 9:10 AM

The Indianapolis Colts coaching staff is putting faith in second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. A 2024 second-round pick, Mitchell struggled as a rookie, catching just 23 of 55 targets for 312 yards and failing to score a touchdown. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter expressed confidence in his development, saying, "When AD's number is called, AD is going to be ready for action." Mitchell could see a bigger role this week with Alec Pierce in the concussion protocol. Last season, Pierce missed one game, during which Mitchell played 89% of the snaps (his second-highest total of the year) but managed only one target that went for 36 yards. If Pierce is sidelined, Mitchell would likely slide into the WR3 role and could become a factor in the Colts' passing attack. For fantasy purposes, Mitchell remains off the radar outside of deep leagues, but his situation is worth monitoring if Pierce misses significant time.

Saturday, September 20, 7:53 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith does not project to be a factor this Sunday despite a solid matchup against the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie wideout picked up a sizable increase in playing time from his first NFL action in Week 1, racking up nearly 50% of the team's snaps (47%) after a measly 10% the week prior. Fellow wideout Josh Reynold's (hamstring) absence from the game was the primary catalyst behind the occurrence, but that will be true again in Week 3. The former Georgia Bulldog is uber-explosive and offers a similar athletic profile to teammate Garrett Wilson. However, targets will be challenging to come by with Wilson lined up across the field in a Jets' offense that prefers to keep the ball on the ground. He lands as RotoBaller's PPR WR121 in Week 3.