Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or D.K. Metcalf

Thursday, November 21, 3:10 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday as he looks to make his return to game-day action this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time since injuring his hamstring in Week 3. Thielen was activated from Injured Reserve during the team's bye week, but he's still not in the clear to return for Week 12. An upgrade to a full practice session on Friday could do the trick. The 34-year-old veteran expects to play against KC, although the Panthers could monitor his workload on Sunday if that's the case given his long layoff. When he's fully up to speed, though, Thielen should be one of quarterback Bryce Young's top targets opposite rookie Xavier Legette. Thielen is worth stashing for WR depth in deeper leagues, but he's trending as a shaky fantasy play against a tough Chiefs defense if he's active on Sunday.

Sunday, November 17, 9:05 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) recorded seven receptions for 70 yards in his return from an MCL sprain in Week 11. In a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Metcalf was able to deliver a solid day from an efficiency perspective as he finished second on the team with nine targets. Metcalf continued his solid season. Metcalf and fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba accounted for most of the Seahawks' receiving yards and have formed a relatively dynamic duo in 2024. Although Smith-Njigba earned more targets in this game, Metcalf's nine were his fourth-most of the season. Metcalf should continue to deliver in fantasy as he gets more comfortable in his return from injury. He has a chance to go on a nice run over the next few weeks with the Arizona Cardinals and the struggling defense of the New York Jets on the docket. Metcalf should have a safe floor as a WR2 in fantasy with major upside to finish as a WR1 in any given week.