Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Brenden Rice

Saturday, August 17, 6:54 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen won't suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the New York Jets. The Panthers plan to sit a majority of their starters during their second preseason contest. The 10-year wideout doesn't necessarily need preseason reps to get ready before Week 1. That being said, fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed if Thielen sits out the entire preseason. He's coming off an excellent first year in Carolina where he recorded over 100 receptions and 1,000-plus yards in 17 games. The expectation is that Thielen will once again be a focal point in the Panthers offense this upcoming season. In his absence, Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall figure to see a majority of the starting reps on Saturday.

Tuesday, August 27, 7:41 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Tuesday that rookie wide receiver Brenden Rice and safeties Tony Jefferson and JT Woods were among the players that made the final 53-man roster heading into the 2024 regular season. Rice made the final cut after impressive during training camp and the preseason. The 22-year-old son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice was taken in the seventh round of April's NFL draft out of USC. He might be worth stashing in deep dynasty/keeper leagues, but for his rookie season, he'll merely be a depth option for the Bolts behind Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark, rookie Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Simi Fehoko and Derius Davis. Rice excels with his route-running and also plays with a physical style on contested catches down the field. Initially, he might be a red-zone weapon for a new-look Chargers offense in 2024.