Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Bryce Young

Friday, November 22, 10:15 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has emerged out of nowhere as a potential WR3/FLEX option in fantasy football ahead of this week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He didn't step foot on the field in Week 10, but last Sunday, he played nearly half of the offensive snaps and finished with five catches, 80 yards, and a touchdown. It's unclear which version of Bourne we'll get this week, but it seems likely that he has earned even more opportunities after last week's strong showing. Miami has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year, but that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. This Miami team allowed Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to combine for 16 catches and 178 yards just two weeks ago. Bourne isn't on the same level as either Rams receiver, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every pass-catcher they face. Bourne is a viable WR3/FLEX option in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.

Monday, November 18, 12:17 PM

Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young will start in Week 12 versus the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, according to head coach Dave Canales. The Panthers were non-committal on their QB situation heading into their bye in Week 10, but they will stick with last year's first overall pick instead of turning back to veteran Andy Dalton. The 23-year-old was benched for Dalton after his first two starts this year, but he has looked better while starting each of the team's last three games while leading Carolina to back-to-back victories. In his last three starts, Young has completed 62.5% of his 88 pass attempts for 521 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He'll be looking to build on that in Week 12, but a breakout is unlikely to come against one of the defenses in the league this week as the Chiefs look to bounce back after their first loss in 2024.