Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Dylan Sampson

Thursday, December 25, 3:41 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen has become a moderately more intriguing fantasy option for the final few weeks of the campaign following the suspension of teammate DK Metcalf. Thielen joined Pittsburgh ahead of the team's 27-22 win over their division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Despite logging roughly 50% of snaps over the two ensuing contests (48/58), the veteran could only come away with one catch on one target in each appearance. However, Thielen saw his workload elevate in last Sunday's victory against Detroit (4/49) and is poised to see a decent target share with Metcalf set to sit for the next two games. Moreover, if fellow WR Calvin Austin III (hamstring) is unavailable for Week 17, then Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Scotty Miller would operate in three-wide-receiver sets, significantly raising the floor of the trio. It's a situation worth monitoring as the Steelers gear up for a road clash with the Browns this Sunday.

Wednesday, December 24, 11:36 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (hand) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Sampson has missed each of Cleveland's last two games due to calf and hand injuries. The 21-year-old has mostly been used in a part-time role as a receiver out of the backfield so far in 2025. However, with Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) suffering a season-ending injury in Week 16, Sampson has an opportunity to take over as the team's lead back. Across 13 games this season, Sampson has racked up 375 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 72 touches. The Browns also have Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams as backfield options who can help fill in for Judkins. If active, Sampson could be a solid flex option for fantasy managers in his Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.