Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Caleb Williams

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.

Saturday, November 23, 5:31 AM

This Sunday, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option as he faces the Minnesota Vikings. After a solid performance in Week 11 against Green Bay, Williams completed 23 of 31 passes for 231 yards and added 70 rushing yards; he's looking to build on his momentum. Williams demonstrated improved poise in that game, getting the ball out quicker and evading pressure thanks to a more efficient scheme under the new offensive coordinator. This quicker release helped keep Williams upright against a Packers defense that's no slouch. However, Williams faces a much tougher test in Week 12 against a Vikings defense that blitzes at the second-highest rate in the league and has been tough on quarterbacks all season. Minnesota ranks 4th in points allowed per game and 5th in EPA per pass, making this a difficult matchup for any passer. If you're stuck with a quarterback on a bye or dealing with injuries, Williams could be a potential desperation play, but Minnesota's aggressive defense may cap his ceiling. In one-quarterback leagues, exploring other options is wise unless you're in a deeper format or need a true boom-or-bust gamble.