Who Should I Start? Curtis Samuel or Jaylin Noel

Monday, January 27, 2:23 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel caught a four-yard touchdown pass during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuel's score came on his only reception, but he did have three total targets in the contest. The veteran occupied a depth role throughout the 2024 season, routinely operating behind players like Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. He's under contract with Buffalo through 2026, but he could face some additional competition next year if the Bills pursue a wide receiver addition during free agency or the NFL Draft. As it stands, Samuel can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues.

Friday, May 9, 3:52 PM

Per the team's transaction logs, the Houston Texans have signed third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel to a four-year, $6.46 million deal. Noel was the No. 79 overall pick and the second of two Iowa State wideouts selected by the Texans, joining second-rounder and fellow Cyclone Jayden Higgins. With the news that WR Tank Dell (knee) will likely miss the 2025 season, the door is open for both pass catchers to compete for snaps and impact the field. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk does pose a threat and significant target competition. Particularly for Noel, who profiles more like Kirk, considering he operated out of the slot in college. However, the rookie bolsters much more juice than the veteran (4.39 40-yard dash) and should eventually make his way to the starting roster. He caught 80 balls for 1,194 yards last season (eight TDs) and is also a seasoned returner.