Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Chris Blair

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Saturday, August 16, 11:42 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair led the team in receiving yards, thanks mostly to a 52-yard catch-and-run down the sideline on an Easton Stick pass in the third quarter of Friday's 23-20 loss to the Titans. In all, the 27-year-old caught three of his five targets for a total of 78 yards. It's the second consecutive week with a touchdown catch after hauling in three passes for 54 yards in the team's 17-10 preseason loss to the Lions last week. The wide receiver corps for the Falcons is pretty much set, with Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud the top three, along with fourth wideout KhaDarel Hodge, who has been with the team since 2022. Blair is battling veteran DJ Chark and a host of others for what is probably just one spot available on the roster, although his performance the last two weeks should help give him a leg up on most of them.