Who Should I Start? Xavier Hutchinson or Malik Washington

Sunday, September 14, 6:57 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson is once again lined up for an expanded role in Week 2, since Christian Kirk (hamstring) will miss a second straight game when the Texans host the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Among the team's wide receivers, Hutchinson ranked second in snaps played and in receiving yards in Week 1, totaling 30 yards on two catches while playing 68% of snaps. He also got a rushing opportunity and added five rushing yards. The Texans' offense couldn't get rolling in Week 1 against the Rams, but they'll work for better results this week against the Bucs. Hutchinson is invovled enough that he could have upside if C.J. Stroud can turn things around going forward. He's a long-shot play to avoid this week, though, since he's ranked as the WR90 in the RotoBaller rankings.

Monday, September 15, 10:07 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington had a highlight reel play in Week 2 against the Patriots, returning a punt for a 74-yard touchdown. The second-year receiver finished with only one catch for two yards on two targets and added three carries for 23 yards as well. In a positive sign for his future production, Washington's snap percentage increased from 58% in Week 1 to 61% in Week 2, while the rest of the periphery receivers all saw their snap counts drop. Washington is clearly the third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and he could continue to work his way into a larger role in an offense searching for answers after a 0-2 start. One important factor to watch this week with Washington, though, is that he did show up on the injury report with a thumb injury and was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimation. If he plays on Thursday against the Bills, he has dynamic upside as a playmaker, so keep an eye on his status this week.