Who Should I Start? Brandon Powell or Zay Flowers

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.

Sunday, January 19, 5:13 PM

According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers sustained this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The top wideout has been unable to practice each of the previous two weeks. Flowers was able to do a pre-game workout but was unable to turn the corner in time to suit up. Flowers has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign as he eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his career and tallied four scores. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to lead the passing attack this evening. Bateman is a solid WR2 in DFS formats, as he should continue to see an increase in targets operating as the top option on the depth chart.