Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or George Pickens

Friday, September 12, 5:25 PM

Starting Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen on Sunday would be a bet that he can recapture the magic in his first game back in Minnesota since being reacquired in a trade with Carolina, albeit one that comes with heavy risk. The Minnesota offense was brutal for three quarters in Week 1, though the Vikings did mount a dramatic comeback and go to the veteran for a key two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. However, Thielen played 57% of offensive snaps and drew only one target, which he dropped. Thielen figures to improve on the number of targets in Week 2, especially with Jordan Addison (suspension) still out, but he'll likely be in a secondary role and still attached to a first-time starter at quarterback. He should be saved for deeper formats only.

Thursday, September 11, 12:11 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens participated in 92% (56) of the team's snaps during their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, the exact figure as star teammate CeeDee Lamb. The fourth-year pro didn't garner the same lofty target total Lamb drew (13), placing third on the team behind tight end Jake Ferguson, who had six (four). However, Pickens was out there for darn-near every snap and drew a long pass interference penalty. While quarterback Dak Prescott couldn't connect with his new wideout on any deep targets, there will be plenty more opportunities for the duo to do so. Furthermore, Lamb should draw extra coverage frequently, giving Pickens plenty of one-on-one opportunities on the outside. He's a WR3 with high-end WR2 upside.