Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Rashee Rice

Thursday, September 4, 2:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has informed the team that he intends to retire ahead of Week 1, citing a lack of desire to continue playing. Cooper, who joined the Raiders this offseason in hopes of competing for a starting role, was listed behind rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. on the initial depth chart. The five-time Pro Bowler spent last season with the Browns and Bills, starting 10 of 14 games while recording 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper leaves the NFL after a decorated career, finishing with over 10,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns across stops with the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. His departure opens additional opportunities for Thornton and fellow rookie Jack Bech to carve out meaningful roles in the Raiders' passing game this season.

Monday, October 13, 3:29 PM

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted that wide receiver Rashee Rice could have his workload monitored when he returns from a six-game suspension to make his season debut in Week 7 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. "It's just a matter of getting him back in the swing. I know he's in good shape...We'll just see how that all works out," Reid said on what to expect from Rice in his return. Rice has not been able to practice with the rest of the team during his suspension, so it's unclear exactly what his conditioning level is. Fantasy managers who have been stashing him to begin the year are probably itching to get him into their starting lineup, but is it wise to start him in Week 7? The 25-year-old should be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top target when all is said and done in 2025, but as far as this weekend, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations as they get Rice back into the fold.