Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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.

Sunday, November 24, 8:19 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his 2024 breakout on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Smith-Njigba was clearly quarterback Geno Smith's preferred target on important downs in this game. Smith-Njigba caught his fourth touchdown of the season and led the Seahawks in targets once again. Smith-Njigba is building serious momentum. He has now recorded at least 110 receiving yards or a touchdown in three straight games. He is a top 10 fantasy wide receiver on the season which was not what most expected coming into the season. With Smith-Njigba seemingly finding consistency, he has entered the must-start conversation. The Seahawks do not have the worst schedule moving forward so Smith-Njigba should continue to produce at a relatively high level. Fantasy manager dreams are finally coming true for the 2023 first-round pick.