Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Christian Watson

Wednesday, July 9, 3:34 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk was dealt from the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round NFL Draft pick this offseason. The 28-year-old had a fantastic first season with Jacksonville in 2022, but injuries and offensive woes limited his production in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he tallied just 27 receptions for 379 yards and one score in eight games while Brian Thomas Jr. took over the WR1 role. Now in Houston, he is seemingly competing with rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for the WR2 job behind Nico Collins. ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime believes Kirk might be the favorite to win that job. "The best way to step into the No. 2 or No. 3 role is building chemistry with CJ.. Stroud," Bien-Aime wrote. "And Kirk looked like a potential safety blanket for the third-year signal-caller." While this is promising for Kirk's fantasy prospects, the veteran has eclipsed 800 yards in just two of his seven NFL campaigns, and Houston's acquisitions of Higgins and Noel could suggest they were not comfortable with Kirk in the clear WR2 role. That said, his cost in drafts outside the top 50 WRs makes him an interesting dart throw in all formats.

Tuesday, May 6, 3:32 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) told FOX reporter Ellie French that he is in a "really good spot" in his rehab following a torn ACL last January. The speedster finally stayed healthy for most of the 2024 campaign after lingering hamstring issues in 2023, but the significant knee injury cost him the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and puts his future in question. After Green Bay selected Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Watson's days in Green Bay could be numbered. The North Dakota State product has flashed upside and speed in short spurts, but his injury misfortune has limited his ability to be a consistent contributor. Through his first 38 regular-season games, Watson has collected 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns.