Who Should I Start? Jermaine Burton or Malik Washington

Sunday, September 14, 11:42 AM

For the second straight week to begin the 2025 season, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy inactive for the Week 2 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burton had a pretty rough rookie season in 2024 that involved some maturity issues, but he got rave reviews during training camp in the summer. For now, though, Charlie Jones is ahead of him as the team's WR4 behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas. The 24-year-old former third-rounder caught four passes for 107 yards on 14 targets in 14 games in his rookie season. Burton isn't anywhere close to the fantasy radar in redraft leagues right now.

Sunday, October 5, 9:30 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington could fill an expanded role during Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Carolina Panthers. Washington has the opportunity to emerge as one of Tua Tagovailoa's favorite targets downfield after deep threat Tyreek Hill (knee) was lost for the rest of the season. The 24-year-old has just eight catches for 47 yards so far this season, but he has been the No. 3 or 4 receiver in an offense that has faced plenty of struggles. Now, with Hill sidelined, Washington could be the No. 2 target alongside Jaylen Waddle. That's enough to warrant some fantasy consideration, especially in an offense that must continue throwing the football, given how often it plays from behind. That could be the case once again this week, as the Dolphins face the Panthers, who fifth-fewest fantasy points to receivers. Washington isn't startable quite yet, but savvy managers should consider stashing him on the bench for now.