Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Allen Lazard

Thursday, July 25, 1:20 PM

Amidst some talk about a trade and/or a contract extension, Tennessee Titans veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins sounds like he wants to stay with the Titans in 2024 and beyond. "I take it day by day. I love Tennessee. I love what Miss Amy's doing. This is the happiest I've been with any organization. I'll let that speak for itself," Hopkins said. The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro wideout recorded the seventh 1,000-yard season of his career in 2023 in his first year in Tennessee and also recorded seven touchdowns in 17 games. The 32-year-old veteran wasn't as productive deep down the field for the Titans last year, though, and the addition of wideout Calvin Ridley is going to take valuable aerial targets away. This should be a pass-happy offense under new head coach Brian Callahan, but Hopkins' fantasy stock is down entering 2024, and managers should consider him as more of a WR3/4.

Thursday, July 25, 9:20 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract to join his longtime quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the organization last offseason, but after Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles on the first drive of the year, Lazard had a disastrous campaign. The former undrafted free agent caught just 23 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. With Rodgers back, Jets reporter Rich Cimini labeled Lazard as a potential bounce-back candidate. "Lazard was one of the standouts in the Jets' first practice, making two nifty catches on passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers," Cimini wrote. "One good practice doesn't equate to a full comeback, but it should do wonders for his confidence. Privately, some in the organization felt he suffered from a confidence problem last season, his first in New York after signing a big free agent deal." With Mike Williams (knee) on the PUP list, Lazard will see extra reps with the first-team offense. Additionally, there's no guarantee that third-round rookie Malachi Corley will start the season ahead of Lazard in the target pecking order. While it's tough to get excited about Lazard's fantasy prospects, his cost outside the top 100 wide receivers makes him worth a dart throw in deep leagues. After all, he has the most chemistry with Rodgers, who is known for being a stickler on familiarly.