Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Darnell Mooney

Friday, February 13, 8:22 AM

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough said that he wants wide receiver Terry McLaurin to get at least 10 targets per game. "This thing's going to be built around how do we get Terry 10 targets a game and get him explosive receptions after explosive receptions to kind of flip the field," Blough told WUSA9's John Doran. That's an aggressive goal to set, especially when stated publicly. McLaurin averaged just six targets per game in 2025, albeit with an inconsistent quarterback mix of Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Josh Johnson. Furthermore, he posted double-digit targets just once: in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, with Mariota as his quarterback. Daniels is due back from an elbow injury in time for the 2026 season opener, which is a good sign for McLaurin's volume. The 30-year-old receiver averaged 11.4 full-PPR points per game last season and should rank as a mid-to-high WR2 ahead of 2026 fantasy football drafts.

Monday, February 9, 7:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney didn't live up to expectations during the 2025 season. Many fantasy managers viewed Mooney as one of the most intriguing No. 2 wide receivers in fantasy football coming into the year, but injuries and a lack of rapport with Atlanta's quarterbacks cost his fantasy managers in a big way. Mooney, who had 992 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, came back down to earth with just 32 catches, 443 yards, and one touchdown across 15 games this past season. The sixth-year receiver had the second-worst season of his career, letting down the managers who drafted him at his preseason ADP around 120. It will be interesting to see how the Falcons address their pass-catching unit this offseason. At the very least, we would expect them to bring in some competition for Mooney. However, the team also has a glaring hole at tight end with Kyle Pitts headed for free agency. Plus, the quarterback position remains in limbo with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) injured and Kirk Cousins' future uncertain. There are a lot of moving parts here, but one thing is for certain: Mooney will be ranked a lot lower in 2026 fantasy drafts than he was in 2025. Managers shouldn't be rushing to select Mooney or acquire him in dynasty leagues.