Who Should I Start? Malik Washington or Jayden Higgins

Wednesday, October 22, 11:59 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has been one of the least efficient pass-catchers in the NFL so far this season, recording 21 catches on 33 targets for just 99 yards. Still, Washington saw a season-high eight targets in Week 7 and has earned at least five targets in all three games since the Dolphins lost wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) to a season-ending knee injury. With tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) considered week-to-week with a pectoral strain, there's a chance that Washington is Miami's number three option in the passing game behind wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De'Von Achane in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. Washington also brings some potential for fantasy production as a rusher, as he's logged nine carries for 61 yards this season. It will be tough for fantasy managers to trust Washington as a starter until he shows some ability to be efficient with his touches. Still, he may be worth rostering in deep leagues given his recent uptick in usage and the opportunity for targets that exists in Miami.

Saturday, October 18, 5:56 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins had the best game of his rookie season just before the team's bye week, and he'll look to pick up where he left off as he returns to the field in Seattle on Monday night. He'll get a boost in Week 7 from Christian Kirk (hamstring) missing another contest, which could allow more targets to come his way. Higgins only had five catches in his first four games combined, but he had four catches on four targets for 32 yards in Week 5 against the Ravens. He played a season-high 56% of snaps in that blowout win, and could pick up Kirk's work this week as well. The No. 34 pick in last year's draft started the season with some fantasy buzz but hasn't been able to emerge as a weekly starting play in Houston's crowded receiver room. He has a very high ceiling but also has a very low floor since he has only one catch in three games this season. Weighing his risk and reward, he is a boom-or-bust longshot play at a flex spot this week, but he does have some intriguing upside as a rookie option down the road if he can build on his Week 5 success.