Who Should I Start? Kalif Raymond or Isaiah Bond

Wednesday, December 24, 10:32 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond had his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Raymond could see an expanded role again in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as top Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, if St. Brown is active, there's reason to believe Raymond's performance in Week 16 is unlikely to be repeated. Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw 54 passes against Pittsburgh, 17 more than he attempted in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9. Additionally, Minnesota has been a very tough matchup for opposing passing attacks. The Vikings enter the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Raymond has some upside as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers if St. Brown is sidelined. If St. Brown is active, fantasy managers should likely avoid Raymond in Week 17.

Friday, February 13, 3:13 PM

Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond hauled in 18 receptions for 338 yards on 44 targets. While Bond's overall numbers don't jump off the page, he showcased an ability to make plays down the field by averaging 18.8 yards per reception. However, the 21-year-old failed to earn more than four targets in any game from Week 6 onwards. Across seven games started by Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Bond recorded seven catches for 215 yards. In 2026, Cleveland will have a new play-caller at the helm after replacing long-time head coach Kevin Stefanski with former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Still, the offensive environment around Bond remains a question mark, as Cleveland remains without a clear answer at the quarterback position. Bond should have an opportunity to carve out a consistent role in the Browns' offense in 2026, but he still has plenty to prove to dynasty fantasy managers after his quiet rookie campaign.