Who Should I Start? Xavier Hutchinson or Ja'Lynn Polk

Thursday, January 9, 8:47 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson should not be considered for lineups with the Texans set to play host to the Los Angeles Chargers in a Wild Card meeting on Saturday. The 24-year-old has played more often since Tank Dell (knee) was lost for the season, but still managed just four catches for 34 yards in the past three weeks. With wide receiver Diontae Johnson now in the fold and Robert Woods still around, it's tough to say which, if any, secondary receiver will emerge behind No. 1 option Nico Collins. Additionally, Houston's offense has averaged just 15.6 points in its past five games. Hutchinson wasn't a strong option anyway, but an uncertain target share and an unpredictable passing offense make him avoidable in playoff formats.

Thursday, May 29, 1:52 PM

New England Patriots former second-round wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) isn't participating fully in voluntary organized team activities after having offseason shoulder surgery, according to Patriots.com's Evan Lazar. Polk has been running routes versus air during team periods with offensive assistant Riley Larkin and appears to be going full speed. The 23-year-old pass-catcher made a limited impact in 2024 in his rookie season, catching 12 of 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). When he gets up to speed, Polk will be vying for playing time in a more crowded receiving corps that includes Stefon Diggs (knee), DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, Mack Hollins and rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. For now, Polk probably won't be a fantasy option in 12-team mixed leagues.