Who Should I Start? Quentin Johnston or Calvin Austin III

Tuesday, April 29, 12:14 AM

The Athletic's Daniel Popper thinks Los Angeles Chargers former first-rounder wide receiver Quentin Johnston will have to earn his roster spot in training camp this summer after the team added wideout Tre Harris in the second round this year. Harris and Mike Williams are downfield, contested-catch weapons for quarterback Justin Herbert, while Ladd McConkey has already proven himself as a game-changing slot receiver after just one year in the NFL. Popper thinks the Chargers will initially have McConkey in the slot, Williams at X and Harris at Z. Rookie Keandre Lambert-Smith will give the Bolts more speed on the field when they want it. The drop-prone Johnston was better last year with a 55-711-8 line in 15 games, but the addition of Harris is bad news for his fantasy value in single-year and dynasty/keeper formats in 2025.

Wednesday, April 30, 1:43 PM

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has the inside track to win the starting job in the slot in 2025, with DK Metcalf and George Pickens locked in to start on the outside. However, Roman Wilson will challenge Austin for playing time in training camp this summer after missing virtually his entire rookie season due to multiple injuries. Metcalf, Pickens, Austin and Wilson are probably locks for the 53-man roster, with Ben Skowronek the most likely candidate for the fifth spot because of his value on special teams as a gunner. The Steelers could also elect to take newcomer Robert Woods as a big-bodied slot receiver and willing blocker. With questions at quarterback in Pittsburgh, it's hard to get excited about anyone in fantasy beyond Metcalf and Pickens for the 2025 season.