Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Brian Thomas Jr.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.9 | 24.9 | 0.1 |
Darnell Mooney News
Saturday, July 25, 7:20 AM
New York Giants wide receiver Darnell Mooney will be "hugely important as a reliable receiver on the outside and in the slot," according to John Schmeelk of Giants.com. Mooney is entering his first season in New York after an underwhelming 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded 32 catches for 443 yards and one touchdown across 15 games. However, Mooney was far more productive in 2024, recording 992 receiving yards and five scores across 16 games for Atlanta. The Giants also offer a clear pathway to regular playing time. Star Giants WR1 Malik Nabers' (knee) health status for the start of the season is unknown, leaving Mooney to battle with Darius Slayton, Calvin Austin III, Malachi Fields, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Odell Beckham Jr., and Braxton Berrios for wide receiver reps in New York. While Mooney could easily get lost in the shuffle, he could just as easily emerge as the Giants' most reliable pass-catcher, at least until Nabers is healthy.
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
Tuesday, August 4, 6:24 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was one of fantasy's biggest disappointments in 2025, but reports coming out of training camp would suggest he's primed for a bounce-back in Year 3. Head coach Liam Coen touched upon the connection he's seen between Thomas and quarterback Trevor Lawrence since the spring, telling reporters, "I've just sensed a different dude in terms of confidence, the way he carries himself, his communication... I am confident in him right now, and I know Trevor is, too." Coen also referred to his route-running as "unreal" and anticipates a major downfield role for him in 2026. It is worth noting that much of Thomas' rookie season success came when the team was drawing up plays for him closer to the line of scrimmage, so caution is still warranted with a deep receiver room capable of making him more of a boom or bust play than a sure thing, but with his current ADP pushed all the way down to WR34, he represents a high-upside swing in the middle rounds of drafts.
Darnell Mooney vs. Brian Thomas Jr.
Still trying to decide between Mooney and Thomas Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Darnell Mooney is projected to score 5.2 points this week while Brian Thomas Jr. is projected to score 10.3 points.
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