Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Xavier Worthy

Friday, October 4, 1:01 PM

As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.

Monday, September 30, 4:35 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy broke free for a 54-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of this contest. The rookie's three catches and 73 receiving yards were both season-highs. Despite having at least one carry in the first three games, Worthy did not have a single opportunity out of the backfield this week. The Chiefs may have planned to bring Worthy along slowly, but those plans may need revision with Rashee Rice sustaining a potentially season-ending injury in the first quarter. Kansas City already lost Marquise Brown for the season, so losing Rashee Rice would presumably leave Worthy as the top option at the wide receiver position. Worthy will look to be more involved against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has given up the sixth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season, so there is opportunity for Worthy in this matchup. The Chiefs rookie receiver should still be viewed as a flex option, but hopefully, he will gain a more significant role in the offense after Rice's injury.