Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Matthew Golden

Monday, February 23, 9:07 AM

Denver Broncos impending free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) made it clear that he'd prefer to re-sign with the team this offseason, but The Athletic's Nick Kosmider expects the team "to explore multiple other options first." Before a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury, Dobbins was in the midst of a career year in 2025, rushing for 772 yards through the first 10 weeks, the fifth-highest output in the NFL. He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry since entering the NFL as a second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, but staying on the field has been an issue. Last year was the fourth time since Dobbins entered the league in which he played in 10 games or fewer due to injury. Dobbins has been productive when healthy, but the Broncos need a "player with some longer-term upside to pair with RJ Harvey." Because of his lengthy injury history, Dobbins will be hard to trust in fantasy, and he's unlikely to find work as a true RB1 workhorse back in free agency.

Tuesday, February 17, 9:14 AM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden had a disappointing first year in the NFL in 2025 after he was taken with the 23rd overall pick out of Texas. The 22-year-old caught 29 passes for 361 yards and no touchdowns in 14 regular-season games on just 44 targets. It was surprising that he had so few targets, especially with tight end Tucker Kraft tearing his ACL in Week 9. The Athletic's Matt Schneidman expects Golden "to be a much bigger part of the game plan next season" in his sophomore season. It would be premature to expect Golden to be above Christian Watson or Jayden Reed in the pecking order, but Schneidman "wouldn't hesitate to use him over Dontayvion Wicks." Romeo Doubs is expected to depart in free agency, opening up a big role in the passing attack for Golden. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues shouldn't sell low on him, and he could end up being a nice value pick in redraft fantasy leagues this fall.