Who Should I Start? Brandon Powell or Steven Sims Jr.

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.

Monday, December 23, 8:13 PM

The Baltimore Ravens claimed wide receiver Steven Sims off waivers on Monday from the Houston Texans. The move to add Sims comes after the Ravens waived disgruntled wideout Diontae Johnson late last week, who was ironically claimed by the Texans. The two teams will face off against each other on Christmas Day on Wednesday. The 27-year-old mostly served in a special teams role with the Texans the last two years. In only seven games played this year, Sims was not targeted at all in the passing game and had just one carry for no gain. The Ravens are likely just bringing Sims in as extra receiver insurance on a short week with both Zay Flowers (shoulder) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) banged up. Even if Flowers and Agholor are ruled out on Christmas Day, we'd be surprised if Sims played an immediate big role on offense for the Ravens.