Who Should I Start? Jameson Williams or Rashee Rice

Monday, August 4, 2:52 PM

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is expected to see "an uptick in targets" this year, as quarterback Jared Goff said the fourth-year receiver is embracing a more diverse route tree. "To see the growth in Jamo this offseason has been a lot of fun," Goff said. Williams averaged around six targets per game last year, and Fowler expects that number to grow in 2025 under new offensive coordinator John Morton. The 24-year-old former 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Ohio State dealt with injuries and a suspension his first two years in the league before breaking out with 1,001 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 58 catches over 15 regular-season games (11 starts) in 2024. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Detroit's offense, but Morton seems to want to involve Williams alot, which makes him a low-end WR2 heading into his fourth season.

Saturday, August 23, 4:32 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rice was not highly targeted in this contest, but that's not surprising since the starters only played the first three drives of the game. That said, Rice was the Chiefs pass catcher to find the endzone against the Bears. What was not in the box score is the fact that Rice was also targeted on a deep pass that led to defensive pass interference and flipped the field position. Rice is a difficult player to project given his eventual suspension, but he will be a key part of the offense when he is available. The 25-year-old was targeted by Patrick Mahomes on a four-yard out route, and the duo displayed their chemistry because the play was timed up perfectly. With the aging Travis Kelce on the decline, Rice's ability as a possession receiver should keep him heavily involved in the offense. Rice should be considered a high-end starter at the wide receiver position for every game he is eligible to play in.