Who Should I Start? Olamide Zaccheaus or Malik Washington

Friday, September 12, 11:19 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus made an immediate impact in his debut under head coach Ben Johnson. He caught four of seven targets for 42 yards in the Week 1 loss to Minnesota, operating as Chicago's clear WR3. Zaccheaus played 44% of the snaps and ran a route on 59% of dropbacks, both behind only Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore. Notably, he was on the field for 87% of the snaps in one-tight end sets, cementing his defined role in the offense. Week 2 brings an appealing matchup with the Lions, who allowed the most receiving yards to wideouts in 2024. Former Bear receiver Keenan Allen shredded Detroit twice last season, averaging 23.2 half-PPR points per game against them. While Zaccheaus has a chance to stay involved, his role still caps his upside. He's a deep-league flex consideration but should remain out of lineups in most fantasy formats.

Sunday, October 5, 9:30 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington could fill an expanded role during Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Carolina Panthers. Washington has the opportunity to emerge as one of Tua Tagovailoa's favorite targets downfield after deep threat Tyreek Hill (knee) was lost for the rest of the season. The 24-year-old has just eight catches for 47 yards so far this season, but he has been the No. 3 or 4 receiver in an offense that has faced plenty of struggles. Now, with Hill sidelined, Washington could be the No. 2 target alongside Jaylen Waddle. That's enough to warrant some fantasy consideration, especially in an offense that must continue throwing the football, given how often it plays from behind. That could be the case once again this week, as the Dolphins face the Panthers, who fifth-fewest fantasy points to receivers. Washington isn't startable quite yet, but savvy managers should consider stashing him on the bench for now.