Who Should I Start? Ben Skowronek or Dont'e Thornton Jr.


Week 8 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.2 0.0 0.0 0.8 8.7 0.1

Ben Skowronek News

Ben Skowronek A Deep Sleeper in Week 6

Friday, October 10, 11:49 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (illness) was limited in practice earlier this week but carries no injury designation into a Week 6 showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Although the fifth-year pro has just one reception this season, he could be in line for additional opportunities on Sunday with Calvin Austin III (knee) sidelined. Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson may also step into expanded roles, but Skowronek logged the most snaps of the three in Week 4 before the team's bye. He's also the only one with any meaningful fantasy output this year, taking his lone catch into the end zone for a 22-yard score back in Week 1. With the Browns stifling the run through the first five weeks, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be forced to throw the ball early and often. Skowronek can't be considered a viable option in most redraft formats, but he does have some sneaky appeal as a deep-league dart throw.


Week 8 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.7 -0.0 0.0 0.3 3.9 0.0

Dont'e Thornton Jr. News

Dont'e Thornton Jr. Could Be a Deep-League Target in Week 8

Friday, October 30, 1:23 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (hamstring) could make his season debut in Week 8, but it's still unclear what his workload will be like in a tough road matchup against the New York Jets. The 23-year-old was activated off IR earlier in the week after a hamstring injury during training camp sidelined him for the first seven games of the season. In 15 games played last year, Thornton Jr. caught 10 passes on 30 targets for 135 yards and no touchdowns, although that was with Geno Smith playing under center. Having a more successful quarterback in Kirk Cousins could make Thornton Jr. more productive, although the air game largely runs through fellow receiver Tre Tucker and star tight end Brock Bowers. The Raiders receiving corps also has a tough matchup this week against the Jets, who have limited opponents to 187.7 passing yards this season. Thornton Jr. has the potential to be WR2 behind Tucker and be a stash candidate in deep league formats, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on whether he plays first.


Ben Skowronek vs. Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Still trying to decide between Skowronek and Thornton Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Ben Skowronek is projected to score 2.2 points this week while Dont'e Thornton Jr. is projected to score 0.7 points.