Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Dee Eskridge

Friday, January 2, 11:00 AM

After being acquired by the New York Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles in late October, wide receiver John Metchie III looked like a potential breakout candidate. Across his first three games with New York, the 25-year-old recorded 10 receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets. However, Metchie III has been unable to maintain his hot start. Over his last five games played, Metchie III has failed to eclipse four catches or 41 receiving yards in a game, nor has he found the end zone. Metchie III's playing time has dropped off slightly as well, as he's played 77% or fewer of the Jets' offensive snaps in two out of the last three weeks. Especially with undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook in line to make his fourth straight start for the Jets in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, there's little reason to think Metchie III will reverse recent trends. He profiles as a wide receiver for fantasy managers to avoid in the final week of the 2025 regular season.

Sunday, August 17, 7:35 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge stepped up on Saturday with three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Miami's 24-17 win over the Lions. Eskridge scored the Dolphins' only touchdown of the first half on an 11-yard pass from Zach Wilson. The second-round pick from Western Michigan was playing close to home and got off to a rough start by fumbling his first punt return, but he bounced back and drew praise from coach Mike McDaniel for his ability to bounce back and put together a strong performance. Last year, Eskridge started the year on Miami's practice squad and only had three receptions for 44 yards in six games. His special team abilities seem to have him on an inside track to earn a spot on the roster out of camp this season, and he could be the team's fifth receiver behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Malik Washington, who all sat out Saturday's preseason contest, giving Eskridge and rookie Theo Wease Jr. chances to step up and post big games.