Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Troy Franklin

Thursday, July 17, 2:08 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who was recently placed on the training-camp PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 30-year-old entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chargers following a stellar career at Clemson. He spent the first seven seasons of his pro career with L.A. before playing for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Overall, Williams tallied 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns. He hangs up his cleats with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. Known as a big-play threat, his impact diminished later in his career as he aged and dealt with injury. While he was unlikely to be a significant factor for the Chargers this year, his departure gives Quentin Johnston more breathing room after a slow start to his NFL career.

Friday, January 9, 3:12 PM

Across 17 games in 2025, Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin recorded 65 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns on 104 targets. While Franklin's full-season numbers are solid, his production and role in the Denver offense faded over the second half of the year. The 22-year-old recorded just four receptions for 17 yards on five targets across his final two games of the regular season, including a zero-catch performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18. Franklin also played more than 53% of the Broncos' offensive snaps just once in six games following the team's Week 12 bye, losing playing time in favor of rookie wideout Pat Bryant. Denver has a bye through the first round of the AFC playoffs, so it's not yet clear who Franklin's first matchup will be. However, Franklin's diminished role in the Broncos' passing game could be a reason for fantasy managers in playoff leagues to avoid him.