Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Ladd McConkey

Monday, December 23, 2:58 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen caught five of his six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran route runner has found his 2024 footing over the last month, making himself a viable WR3/FLEX option over that stretch of play. As second-year quarterback Bryce Young has regained his confidence, Thielen has proven to be his most dependable and comforting target, a trend that will likely continue to close out the season. Since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 12, the 34-year-old has racked up 30 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns over five games. Thielen should remain a mid-range WR3/FLEX player in Week 17 with a questionable Tampa Bay secondary on the slate.

Friday, December 20, 12:20 AM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in catches again in a Week 16 win, making six catches on six targets for 87 yards. McConkey made some huge catches in this one and got some solid yardage after the catch as well. His long play was a 27-yard gain on his first target of the game. Quarterback Justin Herbert ended up targeting 10 different pass catchers in this game, but McConkey still remained the clear first look on most plays. The Bolts spreading the ball around so much limits McConkey's counting stats, but he's still a solid WR2 with a high floor week in and week out.