Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Tez Johnson

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).

Friday, November 28, 7:59 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson has been a solid red zone threat for this offense recently. Johnson has scored three touchdowns over his last three games. Sadly, the yardage hasn't been there as Johnson has been held to 42 yards or fewer in two of his last three games. It's also worth noting that quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is banged up coming into this game. It's unclear how well Mayfield is going to be able to pass this weekend. Fellow wideout Chris Godwin should see a larger role this weekend after being eased back into action last week. Johnson has decent upside, but should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent option for the Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.