Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Calvin Austin III

Wednesday, May 28, 3:45 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is "moving great" at practice this offseason, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. The 32-year-old signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the organization this offseason after spending last year with the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs. Hopkins, who has seven seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards on his resume, is not likely to be a consistent producer at this stage of his career, but he could still contribute as a third or fourth option in a passing attack. In 2024, he caught 15 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown in six games for Tennessee and hauled in 41 passes for 437 yards and four scores for Kansas City. With Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews on the roster, the veteran is likely competing with Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman for looks in 2025. He won't be a must-start fantasy option, but he could have streaming appeal in favorable matchups during his 13th NFL campaign.

Wednesday, April 30, 1:43 PM

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has the inside track to win the starting job in the slot in 2025, with DK Metcalf and George Pickens locked in to start on the outside. However, Roman Wilson will challenge Austin for playing time in training camp this summer after missing virtually his entire rookie season due to multiple injuries. Metcalf, Pickens, Austin and Wilson are probably locks for the 53-man roster, with Ben Skowronek the most likely candidate for the fifth spot because of his value on special teams as a gunner. The Steelers could also elect to take newcomer Robert Woods as a big-bodied slot receiver and willing blocker. With questions at quarterback in Pittsburgh, it's hard to get excited about anyone in fantasy beyond Metcalf and Pickens for the 2025 season.