Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Adonai Mitchell

Monday, December 23, 2:58 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen caught five of his six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran route runner has found his 2024 footing over the last month, making himself a viable WR3/FLEX option over that stretch of play. As second-year quarterback Bryce Young has regained his confidence, Thielen has proven to be his most dependable and comforting target, a trend that will likely continue to close out the season. Since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 12, the 34-year-old has racked up 30 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns over five games. Thielen should remain a mid-range WR3/FLEX player in Week 17 with a questionable Tampa Bay secondary on the slate.

Monday, December 23, 11:00 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell indeed worked as the deep threat in the absence of Alec Pierce (concussion), however, the 22-year-old was targeted just one time in this contest. The rookie wideout hauled in that one target for a big gain of 36 yards, but that was midway through the second quarter and the speedster did not receive another look for the rest of the game. Not that he was the only one who put up disappointing receiving numbers, as Josh Downs "led" the corps with three catches while Michael Pittman Jr. corralled just two. Jonathan Taylor ran all over the Titans, so there was no need for the Colts to ask Anthony Richardson to throw up a lot of passes, completing just 7-of-11 attempts on the day. Assuming Pierce can play next week, Mitchell will again work as the fourth option in a feeble passing attack and should not be trusted in fantasy championships.