Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Rashee Rice

Wednesday, July 3, 6:35 PM

The Carolina Panthers made no move to extend wide receiver Diontae Johnson after trading for the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout in March, as they prefer to see whether he emerges as the explosive, coverage-separating pass-catcher that quarterback Bryce Young and the offense lacked in 2023. If Johnson proves he's a difference-maker in his first year in Carolina and if he doesn't become a distraction when the ball doesn't come his way, he could be set to cash in next offseason in a receiver market that has exploded in recent years. The 27-year-old disappointed as Pittsburgh's top receiver last year, catching a career-low 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson will now be competing with veteran Adam Thielen for targets in what was the worst offense in the league last year. Most of Johnson's fantasy value will be tied to how much Young improves in Year 2. Consider Johnson a low-end WR3/high-WR4 target in fantasy drafts.

Monday, July 22, 1:54 PM

Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said that there has been no discussion with the NFL regarding a possible suspension for wide receiver Rashee Rice. A potential punishment from the league is still a ways off as of right now. Everyone is expecting the 24-year-old second-year pass-catcher to open the 2024 season with a multi-game suspension following his involvement in a high-speed, multi-car crash back in April in which he was charged with aggravated assault, collision involving serious bodily injury, and collision involving injury. Rice has taken part in all offseason workouts and is present for the start of training camp. It's possible that he may avoid a suspension to open the regular season, but all expectations are that a suspension is eventually coming. With the suspension hanging over his head and after KC added Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy this offseason, Rice's fantasy stock has fallen and he's currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 39 fantasy receiver.