Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase

Monday, April 15, 2:05 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not report on Monday for Day 1 of voluntary workouts. The workouts this spring are voluntary, and Jefferson is angling for a new contract. It was a disappointing year for Jefferson in 2023 due to injury, as he played in a career-low 10 games. However, the three-time Pro Bowler still managed to go over 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth straight season to begin his NFL career, also adding five touchdowns. The 24-year-old remains one of the best wideouts, if not the best, in football when he's healthy. However, contract situation aside, his fantasy value for 2024 is inevitably going to take a hit after quarterback Kirk Cousins left in free agency to play for the Atlanta Falcons.

Wednesday, April 24, 2:05 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on Wednesday, as expected. Chase is now officially locked up through the 2025 season. The 24-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in the NFL and set a career-high with 100 catches on 145 targets for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023, despite the fact that quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) missed considerable time with a season-ending injury. Chase's seven touchdowns in 2023 were a career-low, but he should bounce back in that department in 2024 as long as Burrow can stay healthy all year. Chase's fantasy arrow continues to point up and he should be considered a top-tier WR1.