Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Tetairoa McMillan

Friday, January 16, 3:12 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk posted an underwhelming regular season in his first year with the team, recording 28 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown on 52 targets across 13 games played. However, the 29-year-old broke out with a dominant performance in Houston's Wild Card Weekend win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, hauling in eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With star Texans wideout Nico Collins (concussion) exiting the game in the second half after suffering a concussion, Kirk stepped into a more prominent role in his team's offense. Collins has not practiced this week and is reportedly trending towards missing Houston's Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots. As a result, Kirk could see another week as the primary target-earner from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. If Collins is ruled out, fantasy managers should view Kirk as the top wide receiver option in Houston for the Divisional Round.

Tuesday, January 27, 12:39 PM

Across 17 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan recorded 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 targets. The number eight overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan established himself as the number one wide receiver in Carolina right away as a rookie. The 22-year-old also closed the season strong, recording five of his seven touchdown catches from Week 11 onwards. Heading into 2026, McMillan should have the benefit of stability in Carolina. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2017 and figure to retain both quarterback Bryce Young and play-calling head coach Dave Canales. Carolina struggled to find reliable pass-catchers outside of McMillan in 2025, so the team could look to bring in additional talent. However, any potential additions seem unlikely to unseat McMillan as the option in the pass game. All in all, McMillan profiles as a fantasy wide receiver on the rise in both dynasty and redraft formats after his strong rookie season.