Who Should I Start? Curtis Samuel or Troy Franklin

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.

Thursday, June 12, 9:28 PM

Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin has had a good offseason, has looked more explosive and added about five pounds, according to head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos took the Oregon product in the fourth round (102nd overall) in last year's draft to pair him with college teammate and quarterback Bo Nix. The slim pass-catcher's chemistry with Nix didn't really translate in Year 1 in the NFL, as he finished with 28 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns on 53 targets over 16 regular-season games (six starts). The No. 2 role behind Courtland Sutton is up for grabs in Denver, with Franklin competing with Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele and rookie Pat Bryant for a bigger role in 2025. The addition of pass-catching tight end Evan Engram won't help. Franklin is worth keeping an eye on in training camp, but for now, he's outside of RotoBaller's top-100 fantasy receivers.