Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Malik Washington

Saturday, September 6, 11:01 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks returns to the Big Easy after previously playing with the team from 2014-2016. Last year in Dallas, he caught 26 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. Cooks was named one of eight team captains ahead of Week 1 against the Cardinals and is listed as a starter. However, he'll have to compete with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and star running back Alvin Kamara for targets while second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler is under center. For fantasy purposes, Cooks should be off radars, with only slight appeal if any of the primary pass-catchers miss time.

Saturday, September 6, 9:50 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is set to start the season as the team's third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The second-year receiver could be in for a more involved role in 2025 after catching just 26 passes for 223 yards as a rookie. Washington was Miami's sixth-round pick out of Virginia and was able to work extensively with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this training camp and preseason, while Hill and Waddle dealt with injuries. Washington showed his playmaking ability in the return game last year, and offensive coordinator Frank Smith praised his growth and understanding of the offense over the offseason. He's only the WR102 in RotoBaller's Week 1 Rankings, so he shouldn't be starting in any format yet. However, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on and possibly stash from waiver wires since he brings a lot of upside if he secures a big role in Miami's offense.