Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Rashee Rice

Friday, May 2, 12:02 PM

Carolina Panthers veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen said that he talked with his family, and they wanted him to play in 2025. He plans to go through a similar process after this season, which is the final year of his contract. Depending on how the 34-year-old feels and what his family thinks after the 2025 campaign, Thielen could hang up his cleats and retire. He's returning for a third season in Carolina after playing in a career-low 10 games in 2024 due to a hamstring injury. In those 10 games, he caught 48 of his 62 targets for 615 yards and five touchdowns. He should continue to be a trusted weapon for young quarterback Bryce Young out of the slot this year, but the addition of first-round rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan will surely make Thielen harder to trust as a WR3/flex in fantasy based on volume alone like he was in 2023, when he recorded the third 1,000-yard season of his career on 103 targets.

Friday, August 15, 10:23 PM

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the NFL proposed a double-digit suspension for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. Of course, this proposal received some push back, with Rice's agents and attorney arguing against it. The NFLPA also isn't in favor of the lengthy suspension. A hearing is currently set for September 30, which would potentially allow the wideout to play in a few games to begin the 2025 campaign. However, per Pelissero, a settlement could be reached before then, meaning his suspension might start immediately. Without question, Rice is considered one of the most talented receivers in the National Football League. He began his career by finding the end zone seven times as a rookie. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old was limited to only four contests in 2024 before his season came to an abrupt end due to a knee injury. With a suspension on the horizon, his fantasy stock has taken a hit heading into the season. Still, he is expected to be an elite fantasy option once he's cleared to suit up. While Rice is off the field, Marquise Brown, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy could be in line for more attention from Patrick Mahomes.