Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Marvin Mims Jr.

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, July 15, 2:50 PM

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider suggests that Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. could be poised for his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 with another year of chemistry with second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Mims was selected in the second round (63rd overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma, and he's already been a Pro Bowl returner on special teams twice. However, the 23-year-old's progress as a pass-catcher could unlock another element in the Broncos' offense. He showcased his ability to win on contested deep balls -- no example greater than his amazing Week 17 touchdown grab against the Cincinnati Bengals to force overtime. Mims had 434 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final seven games in 2024 and is probably the favorite for WR2 duties behind Courtland Sutton. For his big-play abilities alone, Mims is worth a bench stash as a WR5/6.