Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Jayden Higgins

Saturday, September 6, 10:43 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III set new career highs in targets (87), receptions (62), and yardage (686) in 2024, sailing past his previous career marks. However, with just a single touchdown reception, the 5-foot-9 receiver was primarily only viable in PPR leagues. With a low average depth of target (aDOT) of 6.77 yards, the 28-year-old relies on yards after the catch to pad his stats. He'll take on a Tampa Bay defense that was porous against the pass in 2024, and with Darnell Mooney (shoulder) a game-time decision, McCloud could see an extra target or two in this matchup, however, he'll still be the third or fourth receiving option, with running back Bijan Robinson involved in the passing attack as well in addition to WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts. Unlikely to find the end zone, the seventh-year pro sets up as no more than an option in deep PPR leagues as a WR4/5 on Sunday.

Friday, September 5, 10:48 PM

Houston Texans Wide Receiver Jayden Higgins could be called upon as the team's second receiver in his NFL debut since Christian Kirk (hamstring) has been ruled out. Higgins was listed on the team's unofficial depth chart as starting next to Kirk and Nico Collins, but with Kirk out, he could draw even more targets against a tough Rams' defense. Higgins was impressive in training camp and finished with five catches on seven targets for 40 yards in the preseason. The No. 34 overall pick in last year's draft is viewed as a carbon copy of Collins' skill set, and he could be very involved right away. He's the WR58 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, so he's still a long-shot starter, but he could be a FLEX flier worth considering in deep leagues. He's definitely an important rookie to watch in Week 1 to evaluate how ready he is to contribute moving forward.