Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Jaylen Waddle

Tuesday, September 16, 3:24 PM

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Tuesday that wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 3 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars after he missed the first two games of the year with a hamstring injury. Houston will welcome Kirk back with open arms after opening the season 0-2. While Kirk should operate as the starter out of the slot, he'll be a pretty shaky flex play in fantasy in his Texans debut this Sunday, especially since quarterback C.J. Stroud has been under pressure on 39% of his dropbacks through two weeks -- seventh-most among starting QBs. The return of Kirk should only help Houston's offense, though, and take some attention off All-Pro wideout Nico Collins. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel will have an even harder time standing out with Kirk back in the fold.

Friday, September 12, 12:11 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) will suit up for a Week 2 divisional matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday despite being on the injury report this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Waddle suffered a minor shoulder injury in the Week 1 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts and put in a couple of limited practices this week heading into Friday. The 26-year-old looks fine after catching four of his five targets for only 30 yards last weekend while playing just 65 percent of the offensive snaps. It was an ugly showing for Waddle and the Dolphins' offense against Indy last weekend, but they'll try to get it turned around quickly against a very beatable Patriots squad. Until we see Miami's offense get it figured out after a disappointing 2024 campaign, Waddle will merely be a WR4/flex option in fantasy lineups.