Who Should I Start? Noah Brown or Jermaine Burton

Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (kidney) was cleared two weeks ago to beginning working out this offseason after he missed the end of the 2024 campaign due to a kidney laceration that he suffered in early December in Week 12. Brown had a strong first season in Washington in 11 games (nine starts), catching 35 of his 56 targets for 453 yards, with his only touchdown coming on a dramatic and successful Hail Mary to help beat the Chicago Bears. "I feel like I'm built for this, and I'll come back stronger," Brown said. The 29-year-old was re-signed to a one-year deal to return to D.C. for the 2025 season, but it will be harder for him to make an impact in fantasy after Washington traded for Pro Bowl pass-catcher Deebo Samuel Sr. Brown should still have a role in the Commanders' offense, but as things currently stand, he's looking like more of a WR5/6 in deeper fantasy leagues.

Thursday, January 30, 2:42 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton was selected with the No. 80 overall pick (third round) in the 2024 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Alabama. However, the 23-year-old played sparingly in his rookie season and caught just four passes for 107 yards on 14 targets in 14 games. At the Senior Bowl this year, Bengals director of player personnel spoke on Burton's status with the organization. "He's done nothing, and he's going to have to start doing something quickly. We knew we were taking a risk. We felt comfortable that we could help him through some of the challenges he's had in the past, and we're going to continue to try to help him," Tobin said. "But this is professional football, and you have to take accountability, and you have to be accountable to your teammates, your coaches, and the team that you're playing for, and he has to figure that out." Burton notably did not travel with the team for a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the 2024 campaign and seems to be falling out of favor with the coaching staff and front office quickly. The speedster could be at risk of being released or traded before the next regular season.