Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Zavion Thomas

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
2.7 0.3 0.0 0.9 12.1 0.1

Calvin Austin III News

Calvin Austin III the Giants' Top Slot Option at Wideout

Friday, August 7, 8:11 AM

The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that although New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III's strong spring hasn't carried over to the start of training camp this summer, he's "still the team's top slot option." With that said, the slot role in New York isn't expected to be featured as much in new head coach John Harbaugh's offense as it was when Wan'Dale Robinson was racking up targets at will the last two seasons. Austin is going to have a role, sponging up the short targets in the passing game that Robinson once received. The 27-year-old, who stands at just 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, failed to take advantage of extra opportunities with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, with just 31 catches for 372 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games played in his third year in the NFL. Austin could have more of a role early on with the Giants this year if Malik Nabers (knee) isn't all the way back from his torn ACL, but every week, Austin's role in the offense is unlikely to yield enough targets to make him a worthy target in fantasy drafts in 12-team leagues.

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
2.4 0.0 0.0 0.9 10.9 0.1

Zavion Thomas News

Zavion Thomas Could Emerge as Valuable Gadget Player in Chicago

Thursday, July 23, 10:09 AM

Chicago Bears rookie third-round wide receiver Zavion Thomas could emerge as "a valuable gadget player on offense" in Chicago in his first year in the NFL while also contributing his 4.28-second 40-yard-dash speed as a returner on special teams, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Cronin questions whether head coach Ben Johnson has his next Jahmyr Gibbs, especially after the versatile speedster made plays during the offseason program and was labeled "electric" by teammates as he enters his first year in the league. The 21-year-old out of LSU obviously has big-play abilities because of his high-end speed, but in terms of playing time in his rookie season, that's going to be hard to come by with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond, and tight end Colston Loveland ahead of him on the depth chart. But if Thomas impresses as a gadget player early on, Johnson will surely manufacture more touches for him. For now, Thomas is merely a deep dynasty/keeper stash who will see most of his playing time on special teams.

Calvin Austin III vs. Zavion Thomas

Still trying to decide between Austin III and Thomas? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Calvin Austin III is projected to score 2.7 points this week while Zavion Thomas is projected to score 2.4 points.