Who Should I Start? Brian Thomas Jr. or Ashton Jeanty

Thursday, August 7, 12:52 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (illness) is back at training camp practice on Thursday, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Thomas returns after sitting out on Wednesday while being under the weather. Head coach Liam Coen said that "everybody" will play in the preseason opener this Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Thomas should be on the field. The 22-year-old is a top-10 fantasy wideout going into his second NFL campaign after impressing to the tune of 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) as a rookie. The Jags added two-way star Travis Hunter in the first round this year, and he should take over immediately as the WR2 across from Thomas to help draw some attention away from him. In Coen's offense, Thomas could be even more prolific in Year 2.

Friday, September 5, 7:09 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty enters Week 1 with momentum and sky-high expectations after being drafted as a top-15 overall player in many fantasy leagues. The versatile runner will be the centerpiece of the Raiders' offense against a Patriots unit that is sturdy up front but lacks playmakers at the second level. Expect Las Vegas to establish the run early, giving Jeanty opportunities to control the tempo and showcase his explosiveness. While New England's interior defense can present challenges, Jeanty's combination of vision, pass-catching ability, and burst should allow him to produce in multiple ways. Fantasy managers should treat him as a reliable low-end RB1 with the upside to deliver a statement debut.