Who Should I Start? Kristian Wilkerson or Rashee Rice

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.

Wednesday, April 23, 10:56 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes confirmed that wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is healthy and has been taking part in the team's voluntary offseason workouts. "The expectations are high," Mahomes said of Rice. "I mean, he looks really good. He's running routes. He's catching the football. I don't know when we get back into the actual OTAs, how much he'll be able to do, but he's been able to do everything here, as far as running routes and everything like that." It's great news for the 25-year-old, who suffered a season-ending LCL tear in Week 4 against the Chargers last year. The Chiefs will likely be cautious with Rice when OTAs begin, but barring a setback, he's fully expected to be ready for training camp and the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. In addition to coming off a major knee injury, Rice could be facing discipline from the league for an off-the-field incident. But all that aside, he has clear WR1 upside.