Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Jalen Coker

Tuesday, October 14, 9:41 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has recorded just four catches for 24 yards on six targets across four games so far this season. Still, Lazard could have a chance to make his mark in New York now that star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) is facing a multi-week absence due to a knee injury. Lazard missed the team's Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to personal reasons, so his status for Week 7 is somewhat unclear. If he's able to return to the lineup in Week 7, Lazard could be the favorite to start at wide receiver for the Jets alongside fellow veteran Josh Reynolds in a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers. In the very deepest of fantasy leagues, Lazard could be a short-term desperation flex option while Wilson is sidelined.

Monday, October 13, 3:07 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) is "really close" to returning, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The Panthers opened Coker's 21-day practice window last week, and he was actually practicing in full, but they held him out of the Week 6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Coker suffered a serious quad injury in late August in training camp and opened the 2025 campaign on Injured Reserve. If he doesn't suffer a setback at practice this week, it seems there's a good chance he'll officially be activated to make his season debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets. The 23-year-old second-year wideout should be scooped off waivers now if you need WR depth. The Panthers haven't really had anyone step up as a bona fide No. 2 behind rookie Tetairoa McMillan this year. Coker was very productive down the stretch last year and finished with 32 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games (four starts).