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.

Tuesday, August 12, 10:28 AM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is "week-to-week" and that he expects to "have him back healthy this year." Mooney injured his shoulder during the first week of training camp and appears to be at risk of missing the start of the regular season. The 27-year-old played in 16 games for Atlanta last season, recording 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns. If Mooney misses games, KhaDarel Hodge and DJ Chark could be in line for more regular snaps. Falcons WR1 Drake London would likely see a sizable jump in target share, as would top tight end Kyle Pitts.