Who Should I Start? Adonai Mitchell or Chimere Dike

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.

Friday, September 12, 4:16 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike has been performing well and could see more opportunities. On Friday, head coach Brian Callahan said that he has liked what Dike has done and that he's earned more opportunities as a receiver. In the season opener, Dike had a limited role on the offensive side of the ball and was deployed primarily as a special teams player. In the few offensive snaps he saw, Dike saw one target but was unable to connect with it. He also took one carry for nine yards. As a returner, Dike totaled 144 yards on kickoffs and 12 on punts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the former fourth-round pick's development as he could carve out a role in the Tennessee offense that lacks proven playmakers behind veteran Calvin Ridley. For now, he is best left as a stash option in dynasty/keeper formats. If Dike were to begin to emerge as a regular starter in Week 2, he could enter waiver wire territory in deep redraft leagues.