Who Should I Start? Jermaine Burton or Jaylin Lane

Sunday, September 7, 11:37 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy scratch for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Burton came down with a knee injury in the preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago, but he had since returned to full practice and was removed from the final Week 1 injury report heading into the weekend. The 24-year-old still has potential, but he's buried on the current receiver depth chart behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas right now. The former third-rounder (80th overall) last year showed maturity issues in his rookie season and caught only four of his 14 targets for 107 yards in 14 games (one start). The Bengals are still holding out hope he can contribute in the long term, but for now, Burton is off the fantasy radar outside of dynasty/keeper leagues as a bench stash.

Saturday, September 6, 12:33 AM

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane figures to serve as a depth option at receiver and handle punt return duties in Week 1 against the Giants. The trio of receivers ahead of Lane on the depth chart all finally seem to be healthy and present with the team for the first time all camp, with Noah Brown off the injury report and Terry McLaurin securing a long-term extension. Deebo Samuel Sr. has been healthy and making plays all camp, and Lane is another guy who is dynamic with the ball in his hands and can stretch the defense vertically with his 4.34 speed. The fourth-rounder started to really emerge late in training camp and in the second preseason game, showing flexibility from the slot and outside. Lane should mix into the receiver rotation and could earn a schemed touch or two on Sunday against the Giants. He is worth putting on watch lists in redraft leagues early in the season.