Who Should I Start? Quentin Johnston or Luther Burden III

Monday, December 1, 6:24 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston rebounded from his Week 11 goose egg by scoring on the opening drive on Sunday, helping the Bolts beat the Las Vegas Raiders 31-14. Johnston finished with three catches for 23 yards and a touchdown. It was encouraging to see him involved early in the red zone, but the passing game took a hit after Justin Herbert injured his hand, and the Chargers relied heavily on the ground game to dominate the Raiders. Next Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles enter with a top-10 secondary despite recent struggles. If Herbert, who is scheduled for surgery today, can't play, the entire passing attack could suffer as backup Trey Lance would step in. Philly just allowed 281 rushing yards to Chicago, so the Chargers could again lean on the run. With QB uncertainty and a tough matchup, expectations for all Chargers wide receivers, including Johnston, should be lowered.

Tuesday, December 2, 9:18 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has at least three catches in four straight games and has at least five targets in each of his last three. He led the team with four catches in their Black Friday win over the Eagles on a windy day in Philadelphia. While his yardage totals have been mediocre, the second-round rookie from Missouri is getting enough looks to eventually show off his big-play potential. Burden is clearly operating as the team's third receiver behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, playing over 50% of snaps the last two weeks ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus. Burden will remain a risky flex play against Green Bay in Week 14 with so many other options in the offense, but if you are looking for receiver depth, he's one of the top widely available options.