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

Sunday, October 12, 10:13 PM

After a slow start to the 2025 season, his second year in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has heated up the last two weeks. In the 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Thomas had eight catches on 10 targets for a season-high 90 yards and his first touchdown of the year. He led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Thomas' eight catches were the most he's had in a game this season, and he's now caught 12 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the last two weeks. Fantasy managers are hoping that the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher is just starting to find his groove with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Thomas had over 1,200 yards receiving and 10 total touchdowns in 2024, so we know what he's capable of. He'll be a must-start in a Week 7 matchup in London against the Los Angeles Rams.

Friday, October 17, 6:13 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is riding a wave of momentum after a remarkable seven-catch, 100-yard, one-touchdown game against the Miami Dolphins. It was his second straight week finding the end zone. McConkey currently commands a 20% red zone target share and a 21.8% first read target share, while running the third-most routes in the league (225). Facing a banged-up Indianapolis Colts secondary, McConkey gets a favorable slot matchup, as Indianapolis allows the ninth-most points per game to slot receivers. Even with the likely return of Quentin Johnston (hamstring), McConkey's established role and increased red-zone usage keep him highly valuable. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR17, making him a mid-range WR2 who should be started in all formats in this potential offensive slugfest.