Who Should I Start? Kalif Raymond or Xavier Hutchinson

Saturday, November 1, 12:04 AM

Through seven games so far in 2025, Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond has hauled in nine catches for 64 yards on 12 targets. The 31-year-old recorded a season-high three catches in Detroit's final game before its Week 8 bye, but has yet to crack 20 receiving yards in a game this season. Raymond still profiles as the Lions' WR3 ahead of rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa, as Raymond out-snapped TeSlaa 30 to nine in Week 7. However, that role has not led to consistent fantasy production, which appears unlikely to change in the second half of the season. Detroit has a tough matchup in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings. Through eight weeks, Minnesota has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards (1,428) in the NFL. Raymond should remain off the radar of fantasy managers heading into Week 9.

Saturday, November 1, 5:44 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson has found the end zone three times in his last three games and is coming off a season-high five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the 49ers. However, with Christian Kirk (hamstring) and Nico Collins (concussion) returning from their injuries, the Texans suddenly have a lot of receivers to rotate through. Hutchinson was rotating with rookie Jayden Higgins as the perimeter receiver across from Collins prior to all the injuries, and if he returns to that reduced role, he'll have a hard time putting up a big game against the Broncos, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Hutchinson is the No. 74 WR in RotoBaller's rankings this week, so in most formats, there are better flex plays available.