Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or DeMario Douglas


Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
8.7 0.0 0.0 3.6 38.6 0.2

Calvin Austin III News

Calvin Austin III Making Case for No. 2 Role

Thursday, July 3, 7:17 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni noted during the team's minicamp that he believes wide receiver Calvin Austin III is poised to step into the offense's No. 2 pass-catching role. "I think that '2' spot is all Calvin's right now," said Azzanni. The Memphis alum put together his best statistical season in 2024 with a decent 36/548/4 line as the team's third-leading wideout. However, even with the departure of ex-teammate George Pickens vacating 103 targets, it won't be an easy path to fantasy relevance. Pickens was replaced by DK Metcalf, who will garner his fair share of looks, and Austin III will now have to contend with two viable options at tight end in Pat Freiermuth and the newly acquired Jonnu Smith. The 26-year-old offers the most juice on the team, but Pittsburgh's propensity to run and productive teammates will likely limit his fantasy value outside of best ball formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
9.3 0.0 0.0 3.9 39.1 0.2

DeMario Douglas News

DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps

Tuesday, July 15, 2:00 PM

Patriots.com's Evan Lazar writes that along with wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee), New England Patriots pass-catchers DeMario Douglas and third-round rookie Kyle Williams are "locks" to make the 53-man roster. Mack Hollins also has a very strong chance of making the team. Douglas, 24, was the highest-rated Patriots receiver in ESPN's receiver score metric, finishing 25th among qualified pass-catchers. He had 66 catches for 621 yards and three touchdowns on 87 targets in his second NFL season and is set to reprise his role in the slot for the Pats in 2025. A lot of Douglas' early-season fantasy value will depend on whether Diggs is ready to start the regular season or not, and if he is, how effective he'll be. Douglas should see enough volume to be worth a late-round PPR flier in deeper leagues, but the Patriots also have much more competition at the position than they did a year ago.


Calvin Austin III vs. DeMario Douglas

Still trying to decide between Austin III and Douglas? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Calvin Austin III is projected to score 8.7 points this week while DeMario Douglas is projected to score 9.3 points.