Who Should I Start? DeMario Douglas or Matthew Golden

Saturday, September 27, 1:35 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is off the fantasy radar heading into Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old receiver has struggled to strengthen his rapport with Drake Maye this year, catching just five of his 13 targets for a measly 13 yards. Douglas has always been a short-yardage receiver with low touchdown totals, but his track record as a target hog seemed to give him some fantasy relevance in PPR drafts last month. That relevance has quickly slipped away as Douglas can now be dropped in most fantasy leagues. He's particularly unappealing this week as he faces the Panthers, who have surrendered the fewest catches, second-fewest receiving yards, and second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.

Tuesday, October 7, 3:45 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has seen an incremental upward trajectory over the past several weeks for the Packers and for fantasy managers. Golden is coming off his best week yet, with a season-high six targets, plus five receptions for 58 yards. He's also starting to see the field regularly with route shares of 82 percent and 72 percent in his last two games. In addition, Golden's first-read target shares have increased substantially, going from three total first-read targets in the first two weeks of the season to nine in the next two contests. Interestingly, Golden was used much more in the slot in Week 4, flipping his role with Dontayvion Wicks, who had been used in the slot more since Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) was injured. That could prove to be a launching point to get Golden in more jet motion and use him in space for YAC opportunities. After the Packers' bye in Week 5, Green Bay hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. With the continued upward climb of Golden, he's a big-time upside flex play for fantasy managers this week.