Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Kayshon Boutte

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, September 4, 7:18 PM

ESPN's Mike Reiss writes that New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte projects to start alongside Stefon Diggs and slot man DeMario Douglas going into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, with nine-year veteran Mack Hollins next on the depth chart. Rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III will provide additional depth. Boutte may draw the "start" on Sunday in the season opener, but fantasy managers should expect the 23-year-old to split time with Hollins in three-wide sets. The former sixth-rounder is unlikely to be on the field enough or see enough targets to be a starting option in fantasy lineups in an offense that could have a steep learning curve early in the season. Even Diggs, the team's presumed WR1, will be a shaky WR4/flex in fantasy in Week 1 coming off an ACL tear. Boutte is currently rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues.