Who Should I Start? Kayshon Boutte or Malik Washington

Friday, August 29, 11:17 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte should not be overlooked coming off a "stunning" offseason turnaround, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Boutte is in the mix with veteran Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams for the WR3 job in New England alongside Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas. In 15 games for the Patriots last season, Boutte recorded 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns. A sixth-round pick in 2023, Boutte is still just 23 years old and showed significant improvement between his rookie and sophomore seasons. If he can take another leap forward, there's a pathway for him to significant playing time in New England. Boutte should not be drafted in redraft fantasy leagues, but he's a name to monitor as a potential early-season waiver-wire candidate.

Sunday, August 10, 3:02 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington "is WR No. 3" behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. A sixth-round pick out of Virginia in the 2024 draft, Washington recorded 26 catches for 223 yards in 14 games (three starts) for the Dolphins as a rookie. With Hill (oblique) currently sidelined by an oblique injury, Washington could be in line for a larger role than might otherwise be expected. However, Hill's availability for Week 1 is not currently thought to be in danger. If Hill is healthy, he and Waddle should dominate wide receiver targets in Miami. Washington would need one or both of the Dolphins' star receivers to miss time to factor in fantasy this season, but it's noteworthy that he appears to be the clear next man up in the pecking order.