Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Brian Thomas Jr.

Wednesday, December 10, 5:32 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney was limited to just one catch on four targets for six yards this past week, his fifth one-catch performance of the season in 11 games played. The 28-year-old has had an opportunity to become the team's top receiver with Drake London (knee) missing the last three weeks due to injury, however, that role appears to have been occupied by tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. The 5-foot-11 wideout played on just 77 percent of the team's offensive snaps in Week 14, while David Sills V logged 94 percent and the aforementioned Pitts totaled 92 percent. The veteran will have another chance to carve out an expanded role in Week 15 versus the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, with London ruled out again and against a pass defense that is middle of the road in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, but a unit that has yielded the sixth-most yards in the NFL through the air this season. For what it's worth, Mooney had a touchdown reception overturned last week because he stepped on the sideline before securing the pass, which could have been his second touchdown in the last three games despite the limited volume. Still, considering the situation at quarterback and Mooney's inability to garner sufficient targets, he falls outside the WR3 range this week, making him more of a boom/bust Flex play on TNF.

Saturday, November 29, 10:57 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) was a full participant at practice on Thursday and Friday and seems well recovered from the injury that held him out for three games. That doesn't necessarily mean he is in line for big game, however, as he hasn't been the most consistent fantasy option this season. The receiver room is also filled with competition still after the Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers to replace the injured Travis Hunter, and tight end Brenton Strange returned from injury. The Titans defense is very vulnerable, but game script should favor the rushing attack more. If Thomas Jr. can get involved early, he could have a good fantasy day, but that is a huge if in a huge Week 13 fantasy week.