Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Adam Thielen

Saturday, December 21, 12:24 PM

Despite the fact that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has scored a touchdown in two of the last three games, he remains a very volatile flex option for fantasy managers in Week 16 heading into a Sunday night showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since returning in Week 13 from a knee injury that required surgery, Cooks has seven receptions on 15 targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns. In the four games he played with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) before his knee injury, Cooks had only nine catches (19 targets) for 91 yards and one touchdown. It's safe to say the 31-year-old veteran is showing serious signs of decline as a deep threat in the NFL, and he's highly dependent on getting into the end zone. The Bucs defense has been a plus matchup for receivers this year, although they've stiffened up in recent weeks. Cooks' limited volume makes him one to avoid.

Saturday, December 21, 3:16 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen is expected to be quarterback Bryce Young's top option again in the Week 16 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. His fellow receiver's statuses are as follows: Xavier Legette (hip) is out, David Moore (concussion) is questionable, and Jalen Coker (quadriceps) is questionable. Thielen has produced for fantasy managers who kept him on their rosters following his Week 12 return from a hamstring injury. The 34-year-old has reeled in 25 of 32 targets for 309 yards and a touchdown over his last four games. Thielen continues leading Carolina in targets and receptions, making him a mid-range WR3/FLEX play this week, especially in PPR leagues. RotoBaller has Thielen WR29 in the latest wide receiver rankings for this week.