Who Should I Start? Brian Thomas Jr. or Ladd McConkey

Friday, November 7, 3:42 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Houston Texans, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Thomas suffered a low-grade high-ankle sprain in Jacksonville's Week 9 win over the Raiders, where he caught three of five targets for 55 yards. There was some optimism that Thomas would be able to suit up in Week 10, but the second-year wideout was unable to practice this week and could need a week or two to fully recover. The Jaguars are running thin at the wide receiver position with Thomas out and first-round rookie Travis Hunter (knee) on Injured Reserve. Recent trade acquisition Jakobi Meyers, along with Parker Washington, are likely to lead Jacksonville's passing game in a tough matchup against a stout Houston Texans defense in Week 10.

Friday, November 7, 6:02 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey remains a crucial part of the passing attack, recording a 23.5% season-long target share and catching four of six targets for 56 yards in a close win against the Tennessee Titans last week. This week, he faces the Pittsburgh Steelers' league-worst passing defense, which ranks 30th in yards allowed per game, although they recently defeated the red-hot Indianapolis Colts. While he will likely draw the attention of Steelers' cornerback Jalen Ramsey, McConkey's exceptional ability to create separation should keep his target volume high. He has become Justin Herbert's most trusted receiver over the last few games and is expected to receive plenty of targets against a recently surging defense. Although his WR1 ceiling is often touchdown-dependent due to the many mouths to feed in Los Angeles, his high floor makes him a dependable high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 option that should be started in all leagues.