Who Should I Start? Malik Washington or Jaylin Lane

Friday, February 20, 7:51 AM

Across 17 games played in 2025, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington hauled in 46 receptions for 317 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. The 25-year-old also showed an ability to make an impact in the running game, recording 17 carries for 110 yards and a score. Washington's role in Miami grew after star Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Miami released Hill earlier this week, so Washington may enter 2026 as the team's WR2 alongside star wideout Jaylen Waddle. However, the Dolphins will have an altered offensive infrastructure in 2026, as former head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel has been replaced, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly on the trade block. Washington has also been a highly inefficient wide receiver to this point in his career, averaging just 7.5 yards per reception. His dual-threat ability gives him some fantasy intrigue, but Washington's dynasty value is neutral at best after his modest output in 2025.

Tuesday, December 30, 9:57 PM

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane (ankle) was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of his team's Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, ending his 2025 season. A fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, Lane flashed upside for brief stretches of his first NFL season but was ultimately unable to carve out a consistent role in the Washington offense when the team had top wideouts Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. healthy. Lane will finish the year with 16 catches for 225 yards on 32 targets across 15 games played. He did not record a reception over his final four games of 2025 and was targeted just four times across his final seven outings. Projecting forward to 2026, Lane profiles as a downfield threat whose ability to provide consistent fantasy production in Washington remains unclear.