Who Should I Start? Parker Washington or Jaylin Noel

Thursday, August 7, 4:18 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars beat writer John Oehser writes that wide receiver Parker Washington's improvement and approach has been constant since the arrival of new head coach Liam Coen, and the offensive staff "continues to be impressed by Washington's versatility and production." "He can plug and play at different spots and go and execute a wide route tree," offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said. The 23-year-old is expected to be the team's No. 4 wideout this year alongside rookie Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. Washington caught 32 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns for the Jags a year ago and is showing that he can be reliable and productive in Coen's scheme. He's produced 48 catches on 72 targets for 522 yards and five touchdowns in 26 games (eight starts) in his two NFL seasons. Unless an injury opens up more playing time, Washington is one to avoid in 12-team leagues.

Sunday, August 24, 3:49 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel finished his preseason with a quiet stat line of three catches for 18 yards and no touchdowns. Despite the limited production, the rookie third-round pick from Iowa State has garnered significant praise from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who told beat writer Jared Koch that the young wideout "looks great" and is "making plays out here every day." While Noel currently sits behind veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk on the depth chart, Kirk is entering his eighth season and is coming off an injury. Given that his Iowa State teammate, Jayden Higgins, appears to have earned a starting role, Noel could also see the field a fair amount this season. Noel is a solid late-round fantasy flier, especially for managers who believe Kirk may be on the downslope of his career.