Who Should I Start? Kristian Wilkerson or Dominic Lovett

Saturday, August 24, 10:36 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson made a solid impression in the Raiders' preseason finale, snagging three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 24-24 tie to the San Francisco 49ers. While this performance boosts his chances of making the final roster, fantasy managers should temper their expectations. Even if Wilkerson secures a spot, he's likely to be no higher than fifth or sixth on the depth chart. In the Raiders' offense, this translates to minimal regular-season opportunities, barring multiple injuries ahead of him. His preseason touchdown showcases some red-zone potential, but Wilkerson's fantasy relevance will be severely limited with established targets like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers ahead of him. At best, he's a name to remember for deep dynasty leagues or as a potential in-season waiver wire option if injuries decimate the Raiders' receiving corps. For now, Wilkerson remains off the radar in all but the deepest of fantasy formats.

Thursday, July 31, 11:42 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett was targeted nine times during his team's 34-7 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in five catches for 31 yards. The 22-year-old also featured prominently on special teams, returning a kick for 22 yards and a punt for 19. A seventh-round pick out of Georgia, Lovett recorded 59 catches for 607 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games with the Bulldogs last season. He figures to be competing with veteran Kalif Raymond for Detroit's WR4/return specialist role. Raymond has been a steady contributor across four seasons in Detroit heading into 2025, but he's entering his age-31 season, and his 17 catches in 2024 were his fewest since 2020. Lovett would need multiple injuries in the Lions' receiver room to be fantasy relevant in 2025, but a strong preseason could assure him of a roster spot.