Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Rashee Rice

Thursday, May 29, 1:09 PM

Houston Texas wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) was seen participating in organized team activities on Wednesday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. Kirk only ended up playing in eight games (seven starts) in his third and final season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 due to a broken collarbone. The 28-year-old was traded to the Texans in March to help account for the loss of Stefon Diggs in free agency and Tank Dell (knee), who isn't expected to play at all in 2025. However, Houston also added rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins (second round) and Jaylin Noel (third round), and Nico Collins is the clear top target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Kirk should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 season, and he could dominate slot reps. Kirk has a path to a rebound season with the Texans, but it won't be a slam dunk with the two rookies potentially eating into his targets.

Wednesday, June 4, 2:46 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's OTA practice session, according to team reporter Sam McDowell. The 25-year-old is recovering from a major knee injury that limited him to just four games a season ago, so his status early in the offseason is promising. In Rice's three fully healthy games last year, he racked up 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He was an early contender for the WR1 overall in PPR formats, so he could be one of this year's best values in fantasy football drafts. That said, there are still legal troubles following him for a handful of off-the-field incidents last offseason, so fantasy managers should monitor that situation moving forward. If he plays a full 16- or 17-game season in 2025, a WR1 finish is in the range of outcomes.