Who Should I Start? Javon Baker or Devaughn Vele

Thursday, September 12, 2:43 PM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While this is a concern for his future outlook, some first-year players take longer to adjust to the NFL than others. Patriots wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes said, "I think we'll see him more and more as the season goes on." Four Patriots wideouts saw targets in Week 1, including K.J. Osborn (six), Demario Douglas (three), Tyquan Thornton (three), and Ja'Lynn Polk (one). It's worth noting Kendrick Bourne (knee) is on the PUP list, but he could return as soon as Week 5. Fantasy managers should probably expect Baker to have little to no fantasy value in Year 1, but he could make noise later in his career and should continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues.

Sunday, October 27, 10:14 PM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele reeled in all three of his targets for 28 yards in his team's 28-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers. It was an acceptable performance for the rookie wideout as quarterback Bo Nix spread the ball around effectively -- completing a pass to 11 different Denver pass-catchers, with seven recording at least two targets. Fellow wideout Courtland Sutton was the only Broncos skill player to register more than six (11). While Vele likely wasn't counted on by fantasy managers, it's a disappointing effort against one of the league's least formidable defenses, particularly after he recorded 14 targets over his first two outings. The 26-year-old will get another opportunity to be more involved in Week 9 when he and the Broncos square off against the Baltimore Ravens on the road.