Who Should I Start? Jalen Tolbert or Luther Burden III

Wednesday, February 18, 7:06 AM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert ended up getting buried on the depth chart during a crucial contract year in 2025. Tolbert opened the year as the presumptive No. 3 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but he fell down the picking order as Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin took on larger roles. Pickens' breakout in Dallas also reduced Tolbert's volume. Tolbert ultimately finished the year sixth on the team in receiving yards (203) and seventh in receptions (18). Both represented a major step backward from 2024, when he had 49 catches, 610 yards, and seven touchdowns while finishing as the WR45 in PPR leagues. Tolbert's strong 2024 season will generate some interest in free agency, but the fact that he was essentially reduced to a non-factor in 2025 really hurts his stock. Plus, at 26 years old, teams will be looking to round out their depth chart with younger upside receivers. Tolbert can be dropped in most dynasty leagues. In very deep formats, he can be held for now, then traded when he signs somewhere this offseason.

Monday, February 16, 6:11 AM

Across 15 games as a rookie in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. It took a while for the 22-year-old to earn consistent playing time, which held down his season-long numbers. However, Burden III finished the season on a bit of a tear. Over his last five regular-season contests, Burden III hauled in 25 catches for 357 yards and a touchdown on 30 targets. It's worth noting that Bears wideout Rome Odunze missed four of those five games due to a foot injury, which helped direct more targets towards Burden III. Beyond Burden III and Odunze, the Bears also have additional capable pass-catchers in veteran wideout D.J. Moore and tight end Colston Loveland, so the competition for target share in Chicago is fierce. Still, Burden III flashed explosive upside when given the opportunity in his first NFL campaign, and he projects as a key piece in Chicago's long-term offensive plans. In dynasty formats, Burden III's fantasy stock is trending upward based on his strong close to the 2025 season.