Who Should I Start? Brian Thomas Jr. or Matthew Golden
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 3.4 | 51.1 | 0.3 |
Brian Thomas Jr. News
Saturday, July 25, 7:08 AM
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated highlights improved health as the biggest reason for optimism that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. will have a bounce-back year in 2026. After recording 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, Thomas Jr. hauled in just 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets across 14 games in 2025. However, the 23-year-old played through early-season wrist and shoulder injuries before missing time later in the year due to a high-ankle sprain. While the Jaguars have other capable pass-catchers in wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter (knee), Thomas Jr. profiles as Jacksonville's highest-upside wideout. If health was truly the largest reason for his struggles in 2025, Thomas Jr. could end up being a bargain selection for fantasy managers at his current redraft ADP of WR35.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 3.2 | 41.8 | 0.2 |
Matthew Golden News
Monday, July 27, 5:49 AM
As a first-round rookie in 2025, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden was never able to build any consistency, six times being held beneath 10 receiving yards in a game, but his performance in a Wild Card playoff loss to the Bears provided a glimpse of bigger things to come in year two. The Packers traded away Dontayvion Wicks and allowed Romeo Doubs to depart in free agency, so when the team kicks off its first practice of training camp on Wednesday, Golden will be penciled in to the starting outside spot opposite Christian Watson. Jayden Reed's usual role out of the slot could expand in 2026 out of necessity, but Golden will have every opportunity to prove he belongs on the field in two-receiver sets, and his breakout candidacy is gaining steam. After dealing with a nagging ankle injury throughout his rookie season, better health and increased opportunity could lead to notable growth in year two, making Golden a potential bargain at RotoBaller's WR50.
Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Matthew Golden
Still trying to decide between Thomas Jr. and Golden? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Brian Thomas Jr. is projected to score 10.3 points this week while Matthew Golden is projected to score 9.0 points.
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