Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Jermaine Burton

Sunday, January 5, 11:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III hauled in four of seven targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers, ending their season. While he found the end zone just once all year, the performance caps off a productive campaign for the 28-year-old. The sixth-year pro set career highs (by a wide margin) with 87 targets, 62 catches, and 686 receiving yards. With Michael Penix Jr. looking like a competent passer, the Falcons offense could take a step forward next season. McCloud III should maintain some appeal in PPR leagues as the number three option behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

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.