Who Should I Start? Xavier Hutchinson or Jimmy Horn Jr.

Friday, September 5, 10:57 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson earned more playing time with a big training camp, and he could have a chance to secure a bigger role moving forward since the team will be without Christian Kirk (hamstring) for Week 1. Hutchinson finished last season with four catches for 52 yards in the playoff loss to the Chiefs, but the sixth-round pick from 2023 only has 20 catches for 207 receiving yards and no touchdowns in 32 games over his first two seasons. In camp, Hutchinson was operating as the team's third receiver behind only Kirk and Nico Collins, working ahead of rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Without Kirk, he could have a chance to step up in Week 1 if the rookies aren't ready, even though he's in a tough matchup on the road against the Rams. He's the WR86 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, so he's still a deep sleeper but does bring upside worth watching.

Sunday, August 31, 12:33 PM

Despite making the Carolina Panthers' initial 53-man roster earlier this week, rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. was initially a long shot to see early playing time. That changed quickly after Carolina traded veteran Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings for draft capital and placed promising second-year pro Jalen Coker (quad) on Injured Reserve. With Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and David Moore listed ahead of him on the depth chart, Horn will battle Hunter Renfrow and Brycen Tremayne for snaps. The undrafted Colorado product has been a summer standout, and his speed could earn him immediate opportunities in the Panthers' aerial attack led by quarterback Bryce Young. He's a worthwhile dynasty stash and a name to monitor in deeper redraft formats.