Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Brian Thomas Jr.

Wednesday, September 25, 9:22 PM

When asked about the status of wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring), Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales stated he would not need surgery. It's good news for the veteran wideout, who was placed on the team's injured reserve Tuesday due to a hamstring injury he picked up in Carolina's first win of the season. Before his exit in the second quarter, Thielen had modest production, reeling in 3-of-5 targets for 40 yards and a score. The touchdown -- a 31-yard reception -- is the play in which he injured himself. He'll now miss at least the team's next four matchups. Soft-tissue issues -- particularly hamstrings -- can linger, so it's best to exhibit caution when slotting him back into your lineup upon his return. In his stead, wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo project to pick up some extra work. Carolina will look to get in the win column again when they host the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

Saturday, October 5, 1:31 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has a great opportunity to reach even greater heights in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. BTJ had six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown last week against the Houston Texans, and the Colts should be an easier matchup for the rookie. The Jaguars offense looked horrible to start the year but has slowly looked better as the year has progressed. Trevor Lawrence looked better last week, and was able to get both Christian Kirk and BTJ involved a lot in the passing game. Despite the team's early struggles, the first-round pick has exceeded expectations of fantasy managers so far and has not started slowly like many rookie receivers do. Evan Engram may return from injury this week providing more competition for targets, but that should more affect BTJ's red-zone usage, which hasn't been much as is. BTJ should continue to show off his speed and route-running against the Colts, making him a great flex play with WR2 upside.