Who Should I Start? Brandon Powell or Jamari Thrash

Wednesday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell were listed as co-starters in the No. 3 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The wideout spot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open following the departure of K.J. Osborn, and the pair of pass-catchers are the prime candidates to fill that gap. Nailor, a sixth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022, has tallied 12 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown through his first 21 NFL games. Powell, an undrafted free agent in 2018, has hauled in 76 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns in 55 games with the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Vikings. It will be interesting to see who comes out of the camp battle victorious, but neither is likely to have much fantasy value in an offense led by Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, one of the two wideouts could have deep-league value early in the season if Addison is suspended following his misdemeanor DUI charge, especially since tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is likely to miss the start of the regular season.

Sunday, August 25, 7:18 AM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash turned in a big performance in his team's 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in preseason action on Saturday. Thrash caught four of his six targets for 73 yards and a touchdown in the preseason finale. The rookie wideout's touchdown catch came on a 46-yard bomb from Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the second quarter. Thrash, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft, wraps up his first preseason with 10 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown. While he will open the season buried on the team's depth chart, Thrash could see some meaningful snaps for the Browns this season if there are injuries in front of him. He's worth a stash on taxi squads in deep dynasty leagues.