Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Matthew Golden

Thursday, September 4, 4:31 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) is dealing with a strained hamstring that is expected to keep him out of the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and possibly longer, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. One source is estimating it could be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be "cautious" with him." It's a bad start for the 28-year-old, who played in only eight games in 2024 in his last year with the Jaguars after breaking his collarbone. With Kirk likely out this weekend, Nico Collins should see even more targets, although rookie Jaylin Noel could be the biggest beneficiary as a natural slot receiver with great hands. Fellow rookie Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson will also have bigger roles, but Noel could be the best sneaky DFS play against the Rams. Noel is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues currently.

Thursday, September 4, 1:08 PM

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has done nothing but impress since the team selected him in the first round out of Texas in April. "Phenomenal," one team source said of Golden's presence. "Makes a wow play every day." The 22-year-old is already listed as a starter on Green Bay's depth chart, and the Packers "aren't hiding their affection for him." Although the Packers will use plenty of two-tight end sets, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Golden's "talent looks undeniable." With Jayden Reed (foot) up in the air to play in Week 1 against the division-rival Detroit Lions this Sunday, Golden could be a big part of Green Bay's passing attack right away, putting him in the WR3/flex conversation immediately in fantasy. Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams have also been banged up, giving Golden a clear path to opportunity.