Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Drake London

Monday, February 9, 7:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney didn't live up to expectations during the 2025 season. Many fantasy managers viewed Mooney as one of the most intriguing No. 2 wide receivers in fantasy football coming into the year, but injuries and a lack of rapport with Atlanta's quarterbacks cost his fantasy managers in a big way. Mooney, who had 992 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, came back down to earth with just 32 catches, 443 yards, and one touchdown across 15 games this past season. The sixth-year receiver had the second-worst season of his career, letting down the managers who drafted him at his preseason ADP around 120. It will be interesting to see how the Falcons address their pass-catching unit this offseason. At the very least, we would expect them to bring in some competition for Mooney. However, the team also has a glaring hole at tight end with Kyle Pitts headed for free agency. Plus, the quarterback position remains in limbo with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) injured and Kirk Cousins' future uncertain. There are a lot of moving parts here, but one thing is for certain: Mooney will be ranked a lot lower in 2026 fantasy drafts than he was in 2025. Managers shouldn't be rushing to select Mooney or acquire him in dynasty leagues.

Tuesday, February 10, 2:00 PM

The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that if new Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham's proactive approach carries over from Chicago, wide receiver Drake London "could get a new deal this offseason." London signed a four-year, $21.53 million deal in May of 2022, and the Falcons exercised a $16.82 million team option for the 2026 season in April of last year. A long-term extension makes sense for the 24-year-old, who established himself as one of the league's top wideouts over the last two seasons by catching 168 of his 270 targets for 2,190 yards and 16 touchdowns in 29 games. Kendall believes that London likely sees himself as the type of player who should make at least $30 million annually. Atlanta might view him more in the $25 million-per-year range, but either way, he's key to the Falcons' future.