Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Luther Burden III

Tuesday, December 2, 4:30 PM

Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The 35-year-old was traded to Minnesota from the Carolina Panthers before the start of the regular season, but things didn't pan out in his return to Minnesota, as he was ultimately released following Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks after being a healthy inactive for the first time this season in Week 13. Thielen recorded just eight receptions for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games with the Vikings, but he now lands with a Steelers team that needs help at the wide receiver position. D.K. Metcalf leads Pittsburgh with 605 receiving yards, but no other Pittsburgh pass-catcher is above 300 yards. Thielen could immediately slot in as the No. 2 wide receiver, but he isn't worth fantasy consideration at this time, outside of deeper leagues.

Saturday, December 6, 10:12 AM

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III enters Week 14 with starting value for the first time this season. In the previous four games, Burden has tallied 13 receptions for 175 yards, which ranks third among Bears' pass catchers, only behind Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland. Now, Odunze (foot) is out for this week's matchup and is currently "week to week" with a stress fracture in his foot. With Caleb Williams' number one target out, the rookie receiver has a chance to step up in a big way this week. The only thing holding him back from being a must-start option this week is the lack of passing volume from the Bears in recent weeks and a tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Fantasy managers should consider Burden a boom or bust WR3 in Week 14.