Who Should I Start? Tim Patrick or Luther Burden III

Tuesday, December 9, 2:02 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on six targets during Sunday's win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Patrick posted season-best marks in catches and yards while scoring his third touchdown of the year. The 32-year-old wideout saw an uptick in snaps with Parker Washington (hip) out of the lineup, playing 65.6% of the offensive snaps, his second-highest mark of the season. Patrick was acquired by the Jaguars from the Detroit Lions before the start of the regular season, and while he hasn't played a massive role, he's earned at least four targets in three of the past four games. Patrick still profiles as more of a deep-league option, but that could change if he stacks another performance like this. He'll be worth considering as a deep-league flex play in Week 15 against the New York Jets if Washington misses another game.

Saturday, January 10, 12:59 PM

Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. The 22-year-old played his best football of the year down the stretch, recording 21 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. However, all four of those performances came with fellow Bears wideout Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury. Odunze will return for the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers, which could lead to fewer opportunities for Burden III. The Packers were also one of the NFL's better pass defenses in the regular season, ranking sixth in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). However, Burden III's explosive upside is difficult to overlook. Entering the postseason, Burden III profiles as the most attractive wide receiver option on the Bears roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.