Who Should I Start? Curtis Samuel or Diontae Johnson

Friday, September 6, 3:40 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) was removed from the Week 1 injury report on Friday and will be active on Sunday in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Samuel has been dealing with turf toe but was set for a full practice session earlier this week on Wednesday, so his status for the regular-season opener was never really in much doubt. There is plenty of opportunity for the 28-year-old in Buffalo's receiving corps this year after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis departed in the offseason, but tight end Dalton Kincaid and receiver Khalil Shakir are expected to be quarterback Josh Allen's top targets in the passing game. It still leaves opportunity for Samuel, but he'll be competing with impressive rookie Keon Coleman for WR3 duties early on. Entering Week 1 on Sunday against Arizona, Samuel is best left on benches as a WR5/flex play.

Sunday, September 1, 1:38 PM

Sports Illustrated's Tim Weaver suggests that the Carolina Panthers could consider signing new wide receiver Diontae Johnson to a long-term contract extension to create more salary cap space heading into Week 1 of the 2024 regular season. The Panthers already gave up cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round draft pick to acquire Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. If they don't sign Johnson to an extension, they could see him walk next March in free agency. If Carolina decides to extend Johnson, they could save up to $7.1 million against this year's cap. The 28-year-old missed some time in training camp this summer with minor injuries but played in the preseason finale and caught one of two targets for 17 yards. Johnson is expected to be the top pass-catcher in Carolina this year for what should be an improved offense. Fantasy managers should target him as a WR3/flex.