Who Should I Start? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Kristian Wilkerson

Wednesday, June 11, 9:43 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (undisclosed) has been working through an undisclosed injury during the offseason but feels ready to push himself. He said it has been an adjustment learning a new offense and is working to carve out a role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It sounds as though the 28-year-old pass-catcher will be ready to roll for training camp this summer. The former undrafted free agent out of Indiana had his best season in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans last year, catching 32 of his 60 targets for 497 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts) in his fifth year in the league. Nobody could really explain Westbrook-Ikhine's outlier season in 2024 in a bad Titans offense after he had 1,276 yards and 10 TDs his first four years. He does have a nose for the end zone and is moving to a better offense, but a repeat of last year is unlikely.

Saturday, August 24, 10:36 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson made a solid impression in the Raiders' preseason finale, snagging three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 24-24 tie to the San Francisco 49ers. While this performance boosts his chances of making the final roster, fantasy managers should temper their expectations. Even if Wilkerson secures a spot, he's likely to be no higher than fifth or sixth on the depth chart. In the Raiders' offense, this translates to minimal regular-season opportunities, barring multiple injuries ahead of him. His preseason touchdown showcases some red-zone potential, but Wilkerson's fantasy relevance will be severely limited with established targets like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers ahead of him. At best, he's a name to remember for deep dynasty leagues or as a potential in-season waiver wire option if injuries decimate the Raiders' receiving corps. For now, Wilkerson remains off the radar in all but the deepest of fantasy formats.