Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Derius Davis

Tuesday, July 15, 2:11 PM

There are as many as five wide receivers battling for one or two roster spots this summer with the New England Patriots, including Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, according to Patriots.com's Evan Lazar. Bourne could have a leg up, as he has a history with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, posting a career-high 925 scrimmage yards with McDaniels in 2021. However, Bourne has overlapping skill sets with younger receivers on the roster, and the Pats may prefer to go with youth, especially since Bourne carries a $7.7 million salary cap hit. Boutte, who broke out last year for 43 catches, 589 yards and three scores, could earn a roster spot because of his ability to excel deep down the field. He has also developed some nice chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. Polk and Baker both disappointed in their rookie seasons and will need to show more to get a chance in 2025.

Thursday, January 9, 9:40 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis could find himself with an expanded role in a Wild Card Round matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Davis went on a solid hot streak near the end of the season, scoring touchdowns in Weeks 16 and 17. With Joshua Palmer (foot) ruled out and Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness) questionable, Davis could be needed to work alongside Ladd McConkey and D.J. Chark. Davis hasn't seen more than 37% of the team's offensive snaps in any game this season, and he averaged somewhere around 16%, so even with the injuries ahead of him, he shouldn't be expected to take on an enormous role. Still, he could be a value pick in playoff fantasy contests who happens to find himself in the end zone.