Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Adam Thielen

Friday, September 5, 8:54 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remained a first-round fantasy draft pick in terms of ADP this year despite turning 31 years old and entering his tenth season in the NFL. The former Titan has been a freak of nature throughout his career, so the fact that he took on a heavy workload last season shouldn't scare anyone away. The only back with more yards last season was none other than Saquon Barkley after Henry amassed 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns on 325 carries. While Justice Hill should continue to get more of the passing work, Henry is lined up to see the same role from last season. Against the Buffalo Bills last year, their Week 1 opponent, King Henry combined for 283 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries, and even registered a receiving touchdown in their regular season matchup. RotoBaller currently has him projected to finish as the RB5 in Week 1.

Saturday, September 6, 11:26 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen spent part of the offseason training with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, logging 6-8 throwing sessions together before his late-August trade back to Minnesota for a fifth-round pick. The 35-year-old veteran is eager to contribute, saying he's "excited to be a part of (McCarthy's) journey." With Jordan Addison suspended to start the season, Thielen is projected to open as the WR2 in Week 1 against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. It's not the friendliest matchup, as Chicago allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, but Thielen's expanded role and early chemistry with McCarthy give him a path to targets.