Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Darnell Mooney

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.

Monday, August 4, 10:00 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) remains sidelined for his team as their first preseason game approaches later this week. Mooney injured his shoulder during the first week of training camp and is expected to miss some more time. Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that they still have a few more weeks to allow Mooney to heal, but will not commit to Mooney being ready for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team hasn't provided much as far as the extent or nature of Mooney's shoulder injury, which is a bit of a concern. Mooney sets up as a low-end WR4/high-end WR5 in fantasy drafts this summer, but it would be reassuring to see him get back on the practice field before Week 1. If he's not ready for the season opener, Drake London would see a huge target share while Kyle Pitts would also get a bump.