Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or DeVonta Smith

Tuesday, June 24, 2:10 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Diontae Johnson believes veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett will be the team's starting quarterback following the competition against Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning his first Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts' backup. The 2022 first-round pick out of Pitt struggled to make a positive impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 career games. He looked competent in limited action with the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, that was behind the league's best offensive line and with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley to throw the ball to. If Pickett wins the starting job in Cleveland, he likely won't offer much fantasy upside and can be ignored in single-QB formats to start the new campaign. If he struggles early, the team could opt to move to Joe Flacco or one of the first-year signal callers.

Monday, February 10, 12:31 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of his five targets for 69 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old epitomized consistency over the last month, catching exactly four passes in each of his four playoff games. At times, Smith has looked more productive than A.J. Brown, and he got the edge over his teammate on Sunday by pacing all Eagles receivers in catches and yards. Although Smith himself had some inconsistent moments throughout the regular season, there is no denying that he is a talented player in an incredibly potent offense. Even as he loses some opportunities to Brown, Saquon Barkley, and Jalen Hurts, there is clearly a path for Smith to finish as a mid-range WR2 in 2025 fantasy football.