Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Christian Kirk

Wednesday, November 19, 2:34 PM

The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Brandin Cooks on Wednesday, giving the veteran a chance to land elsewhere. The 32-year-old pass catcher has recorded just 19 receptions this season for 165 yards despite appearing in every game. The departure of Cooks opens the door for Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton to see expanded roles behind Chris Olave in the Saints' wide receiver room. Vele grabbed an 87% snap share last week, despite converting just one of three targets for 15 yards. Look for the Saints to heavily lean on Olave and running back Alvin Kamara as rookie quarterback Tyler Shough builds his confidence in just his third career start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons

Thursday, November 20, 11:54 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk caught five of his six targets for 54 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's Week 12 win over the Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old had his best game as a Texan, scoring his first touchdown of the year and setting a new season-high in receptions. Kirk is trending up in the Houston offense, but so is Jayden Higgins, and Nico Collins has already established himself as the alpha receiver. If C.J. Stroud (concussion) can return next week and support three fantasy-relevant receivers, then Kirk will be worth starting in Week 14 and beyond. However, if that's not the case, the veteran is likely the odd man out among him, Collins, and Higgins. For now, he ranks as a fringe top-50 fantasy receiver rest-of-season.