Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Efton Chism III

Saturday, August 16, 11:52 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith caught all four of his targets for 48 receiving yards during Saturday's preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also rushed for five yards. Smith has been quite productive this summer. He paced the team with 55 receiving yards last week, and he now has a total of eight touches and 108 scrimmage yards through two preseason contests. NFL opportunities have been few and far between for the 27-year-old Florida A&M product, but he did total six receiving yards, 36 rushing yards, and a pair of first downs in 2024. Los Angeles' first four wide receiver spots are essentially locked up, which means they only have two or three spots to divide over seven remaining receivers (Smith, Tru Edwards, Mario Williams, Konata Mumpfield, Drake Stoops, Britain Covey, and Brennan Presley).

Sunday, September 14, 11:53 AM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III is once again a healthy scratch for Week 2 on Sunday versus the division-rival Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Chism impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason, but it wasn't enough to put him on the active game-day roster the first two weeks of 2025. The 23-year-old was an undrafted free agent and has more work to do to get on the field on Sundays in his first NFL season. For now, he's just a bench stash in deep dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues. At the moment, he's blocked by receivers Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams. If an injury arises to any of New England's receivers, Chism will likely be the first to benefit.