Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Luther Burden III

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.

Tuesday, June 10, 9:57 PM

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed), who suffered an undisclosed injury back in rookie minicamp, is expected to be ready to go for the start of training camp in late July, according to head coach Ben Johnson. The 21-year-old second-rounder has yet to sign his rookie deal, too, which is also playing a part in his absence from offseason workouts as he heads into his first year in the NFL. Burden is losing valuable reps to learn Johnson's offense, but when he does rejoin the team, he has an opportunity to be the Bears' No. 3 wideout in 2025 behind DJ Moore and second-year pass-catcher Rome Odunze. When you factor in tight ends Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland (shoulder) and running back D'Andre Swift, it's a lot of mouths to feed in Chicago. Burden's physicality and production in college make him a fine dynasty/keeper stash, but he could struggle for consistency in 2025.