Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Darnell Mooney


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.8 0.4 0.0 1.8 21.5 0.1

Christian Kirk News

Christian Kirk Rested During Preseason Opener

Friday, August 14, 9:46 AM

San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) did not play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Veteran Mike Evans (quadriceps) was also held out as a precaution. Both Kirk and Evans have missed practice recently in training camp with what are considered minor injuries, but they may both be cleared to play in the second preseason tilt next Thursday, Aug. 20, against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. The 29-year-old was brought in this offseason to bolster San Fran's receiving corps out of the slot. Ricky Pearsall (knee) has already been knocked out for the entire 2026 campaign, but the team's recent addition of Deebo Samuel Sr. has been bad news for Kirk's potential upside in his first year in the Bay Area. Kirk had only 28 catches on 52 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown in 13 regular-season games for the Houston Texans a year ago, and he continues to be hampered by injuries. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues will be ignoring Kirk on draft day.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.2 0.3 0.0 1.9 24.9 0.1

Darnell Mooney News

Giants Have Fielded Calls on Darnell Mooney

Sunday, August 23, 7:02 PM

The New York Giants have reportedly fielded calls about trading wide receiver Darnell Mooney, according to Art Stapleton. Mooney signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Giants this offseason, with expectations that he would pair with star wideout Malik Nabers on the outside. While Mooney has had a strong training camp, rookie receiver Malachi Fields' emergence could prompt the team to trade Mooney for value and let Fields operate with the starters this season. The former Falcons' receiver struggled in 2025, hauling in 44% of his targets for 443 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on this Giants' receiver situation, as any move involving Mooney and veteran Darius Slayton could open the door for Fields to have a bigger role this season.


Christian Kirk vs. Darnell Mooney

Still trying to decide between Kirk and Mooney? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Christian Kirk is projected to score 4.8 points this week while Darnell Mooney is projected to score 5.2 points.