Who Should I Start? Jalen McMillan or Luther Burden III

Monday, December 29, 12:17 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan exploded for seven catches and 114 yards in the team's 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. The 24-year-old's target (nine) and yardage totals were team-highs, setting personal bests across the board. Coincidentally, McMillan did not see a significant rise in snap share, hovering around the same figure he's recorded since returning from an injury. Regardless, he and Chris Godwin Jr. were the only other pass-catchers to eclipse 40 receiving yards (108). With a myriad of mouths to feed in Tampa Bay's attack, it's unlikely McMillan would have another performance such as this when they square off with the Panthers in Week 18. That said, he sports solid athleticism and offers fantasy managers big-play ability for one of the few meaningful games in the campaign's final week.

Tuesday, January 27, 12:10 PM

Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. While the 22-year-old's full-season numbers may not jump off the page, he closed his rookie season on a strong note. Across his final seven games, including postseason play, Burden III hauled in 31 catches for 423 yards and a touchdown on 46 targets. In that same seven-game stretch, Burden III earned at least six targets in every game but one. Heading into 2026, Burden III could be poised to hit the ground running as one of the featured pieces in the Chicago passing game. It's worth noting that the Bears have other talented pass-catchers in wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, as well as tight end Colston Loveland, who are also worthy target-earners. Still, Burden III's late-season breakout demonstrates his upside. He profiles as a wide receiver option on the rise for fantasy managers in both dynasty and redraft leagues.