Who Should I Start? Mack Hollins or Xavier Hutchinson

Friday, August 1, 4:28 PM

The New England Patriots have "significant plans" for veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Hollins signed a two-year contract with New England in free agency after spending the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills. Entering his age-32 season in 2025, Hollins has mostly played a supporting role as a run blocker and core special-teams player throughout his seven-year NFL career. However, he had his most productive year as a receiver in 2022 while playing under current Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels when McDaniels was the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. That season, Hollins played 17 games (16 starts) and caught 57 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns. He appears to be the favorite to start on the outside in New England alongside Stefon Diggs and slot receiver DeMario Douglas. The buzz around Hollins should cool fantasy enthusiasm for Patriots rookie receiver Kyle Williams, who looks to be blocked off from regular playing time.

Thursday, January 9, 8:47 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson should not be considered for lineups with the Texans set to play host to the Los Angeles Chargers in a Wild Card meeting on Saturday. The 24-year-old has played more often since Tank Dell (knee) was lost for the season, but still managed just four catches for 34 yards in the past three weeks. With wide receiver Diontae Johnson now in the fold and Robert Woods still around, it's tough to say which, if any, secondary receiver will emerge behind No. 1 option Nico Collins. Additionally, Houston's offense has averaged just 15.6 points in its past five games. Hutchinson wasn't a strong option anyway, but an uncertain target share and an unpredictable passing offense make him avoidable in playoff formats.