Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Kayshon Boutte

Monday, November 25, 3:02 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) returned to action in Week 12 to face the mighty Kansas City Chiefs after he had missed seven consecutive games. Thielen's return was as impactful as one could hope, hauling in three receptions for 57 yards in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Chiefs. One of such receptions was a 36-yarder on third-and-short, and another was a 13-yard grab that would set up the game-tying touchdown. Thielen has earned a reputation as a "security blanket" receiver throughout his career, and Sunday was a prime example of that reliability. Heading forward, he could offer great value as a flex option in the Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Friday, November 22, 10:22 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte hasn't quite cracked the top 40 fantasy options since Week 6, but he has been one of the more consistent pass-catchers over the last four weeks. During his most recent four-game stretch, Boutte has six targets in every contest, totaling 13 catches, 144 yards, and zero touchdowns. When he last faced Miami in Week 5, he caught two passes for 34 yards. The second-year receiver out of LSU is widely regarded as a deep-threat receiver, boasting a low floor and high ceiling. Miami has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year, but that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. This Miami team allowed Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to combine for 16 catches and 178 yards just two weeks ago. Boutte isn't on the same level as either Rams receiver, nor does he play the same role, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every pass-catcher they face. Boutte checks in as a low-end WR4 in deeper formats, such as 14-team leagues.