Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Travis Hunter

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.

Friday, September 5, 2:17 PM

In breaking down his predictions for the 2025 season, Jacksonville Jaguars beat writer John Shipley believes that first-round pick Travis Hunter will play close to 80% of his team's offensive snaps and 60-70% on defense. Hunter's unique talents have been on display throughout his college career, pre-draft process, and training camp. The largest question mark on him has been about his usage as he begins his NFL career. Arguably the most talented rookie in this year's class, the Jaguars paid a heavy price on draft night to move up three spots and select him with the number two overall pick. Listed on the team's unofficial depth chart as a starting receiver and backup cornerback, these predicted snap totals suggest that Hunter could feature prominently in the Jaguars' passing attack. Should he find himself on the field for the majority of passing downs, Hunter could pay early dividends to those who were brave enough to draft him.