Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Chimere Dike

Sunday, January 25, 1:33 PM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) is officially inactive for the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the visiting New England Patriots, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Franklin injured his hamstring early in the Divisional Round win against the Buffalo Bills and never returned. He was limited in practice all week, but the Broncos weren't comfortable making him active. Although Franklin saw his role decline late in the year, it's a notable loss for a Denver offense that is forced to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidman against New England with Bo Nix (ankle) out for the rest of the season. The second-year wideout from Oregon was the Broncos' second leading receiver during the regular season with 65 catches, 709 yards, and six touchdowns on 104 targets. Marvin Mims Jr., rookie Pat Bryant, and Lil'Jordan Humphrey will need to step up behind Courtland Sutton against a solid Patriots defense on Sunday.

Thursday, January 29, 4:23 PM

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike flashed upside throughout his rookie season. Across 17 games played, the 24-year-old recorded 48 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns on 74 targets. Dike also improved as the season progressed, earning at least five targets in five out of his last seven games of the season and scoring three touchdowns in that stretch. Heading into 2026, Dike figures to be in the mix for a starting role in Tennessee. However, the Titans will also have a new coaching staff in place, and could look to bring in additional talent at the position through both the draft and free agency. Still, Dike showed enough encouraging signs as a rookie that he will likely be in the organization's plans in some capacity. Dike may be a player worth stashing in dynasty leagues coming off a solid rookie campaign in 2025.