Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or K.J. Osborn

Saturday, September 23, 9:44 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is yet to mesh with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2023, administering four catches (five targets) for 61 yards across Weeks 1 and 2. The 24-year-old at least hopes in Week 3 versus the Chicago Bears to run into the coverage of struggling 2023 second-rounder Tyrique Stevenson, who was dwarfed by Mike Evans and company in Week 2 for a 5/140/1 receiving line against him. Stevenson also had trouble defending a short-handed Green Bay Packers receiving corps in the season opener for a 3/42/1 line opposing him. Valdes-Scantling could draw a few extra looks if Kadarius Toney (toe) is missing or limited on Sunday, considering the latter has commanded 10 targets on a mere 28 routes despite his well-known struggles. MVS participated in 87% of K.C.'s offensive snaps a week ago, but he would only be Hail Mary WR4 recourse whether Toney is active or not.

Friday, September 15, 1:27 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn brought in 3-of-6 targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 34-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 26-year-old got free in the flat for a nice 18-yard gain in the second quarter to push Minnesota over midfield. Osborn later committed a costly forth-quarter drop, but atoned for it by coming wide open for a 10-yard score later in that series to close the gap, making it a one-score game. It's worth noting he started the next drive with another drop, though. Osborn out-snapped rising rookie Jordan Addison 56-40, but the 2023 first-rounder is clearly threatening for more action after scoring another touchdown in this one. Despite the decent line, Osborn is an uninspiring Week 3 FLEX option when Minnesota takes on the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.