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.

Sunday, January 7, 9:35 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase finished the Week 18 win over the Browns by catching four of six targets for 19 yards. The Bengals had nothing to play for but pride on Sunday, and with Chase battling a shoulder injury over the last few weeks, the team didn't want to take any chances with their superstar wideout. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old capped off another strong year, finishing with 100 catches for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns. But with Chase entering his fourth season in the league, contract rumblings will run rampant until he signs a new deal. Yet, regardless of how talks pan out moving forward, he'll remain a first-round fantasy option heading into the 2024-25 campaign. He'll need Joe Burrow (wrist) to stay healthy if he hopes to come close to capturing the magic he had on the offensive end as a rookie.