Who Should I Start? Brandon Powell or Khadarel Hodge

Wednesday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell were listed as co-starters in the No. 3 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The wideout spot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open following the departure of K.J. Osborn, and the pair of pass-catchers are the prime candidates to fill that gap. Nailor, a sixth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022, has tallied 12 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown through his first 21 NFL games. Powell, an undrafted free agent in 2018, has hauled in 76 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns in 55 games with the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Vikings. It will be interesting to see who comes out of the camp battle victorious, but neither is likely to have much fantasy value in an offense led by Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, one of the two wideouts could have deep-league value early in the season if Addison is suspended following his misdemeanor DUI charge, especially since tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is likely to miss the start of the regular season.

Thursday, September 7, 12:25 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice. Hodge injured his ankle in Atlanta's second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he was twisted to the ground by a defender. Although the wideout didn't practice on Monday, his limited participation on Wednesday has him trending in the right direction for the season opener. Hodge caught 13 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown with Atlanta in 2022. He comes in as the Falcons' WR4 if he suits up in Week 1.