Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Jayden Higgins

Tuesday, August 26, 7:21 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) has avoided landing on Injured Reserve to start the 2025 season, even though he has not practiced since the first day of training camp in late July, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. It means that the Falcons think Mooney could be available within the team's first four games of the season in September. Still, the 27-year-old can probably be considered more of a long shot to suit up in Week 1 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 7. When healthy, Mooney could serve as the team's No. 2 wideout behind Drake London in starting three-wide sets, although the uncertainty surrounding his injury makes him no better than a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts as a WR4/5. In his first year in Atlanta in 2024, Mooney bounced back in a big way with a 64-992-5 line on 106 targets over 16 starts.

Sunday, August 24, 2:31 PM

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins recorded two catches for 18 yards in his team's final preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. Higgins finishes preseason play with five catches on seven targets for 40 yards. The 22-year-old is listed as a starter at wide receiver alongside veterans Nico Collins and Christian Kirk on Houston's unofficial depth chart. Higgins has excellent size and was a highly productive player in college, recording 87 catches and nine touchdowns in his final season at Iowa State. He should be prioritized as a late-round flier with upside in fantasy drafts.