Who Should I Start? Jaylin Noel or Jimmy Horn Jr.

Monday, October 27, 10:42 AM

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been a breakout player in recent weeks, recording 11 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets over his last three games played. Noel has benefited from the absence of veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring), who has missed Houston's last two contests. If there's reason for concern with Noel, it's that he's yet to crack 45% of his team's offensive snaps this season, even in the games that Kirk has missed. He appears to be limited to working from the slot, which limits his playing time ceiling. Noel is a young player with upside, so he's definitely a name to monitor in deeper fantasy leagues. Still, it may be difficult for him to maintain his production in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, particularly if one or both of Kirk and Nico Collins (concussion) return to the field.

Wednesday, October 29, 12:27 AM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. has played in four of eight games this season, catching five of his eight targets for 65 yards and handling six carries for 37 yards. After being a healthy scratch for the first month of the season, the sixth rounder out of Colorado played at least 20% of the snaps with multiple touches in the first three weeks when he was playing. His snap share dipped to just 13.1% in their Week 8 blowout loss to the Bills, but they still made an emphasis to get the ball in his hands with two rush attempts and a target. The Panthers need another consistent pass-catching threat outside of fellow rookie Tetairoa McMillan. Second-year wideouts Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette have had moments, but Horn has 4.4 speed and shiftiness that make him a tough cover. He could be a rookie who emerges over the second half of the season.