Who Should I Start? Devaughn Vele or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Saturday, December 6, 12:44 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown in the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins. He has emerged as the Saints' top receiver behind Chris Olave, recording 15 targets over his last two games and playing at least 87% of snaps in each contest since Rashid Shaheed's departure. Olave (back) is questionable to face Tampa Bay, and if he is unable to play, Vele would step in as the top wideout in what should be a pass-heavy offense against a Buccaneers defense allowing the fourth-most passing yards in the league. If Olave suits up, Vele becomes a more volatile WR3/WR4.

Friday, December 5, 8:30 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) did not practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Thornton will miss at least one game with the concussion that he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee has had a forgettable first year in the league with eight catches on 25 targets (28% success rate) for 123 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games (seven starts). In his defense, the Raiders' offense has stalled more often than not, limiting his opportunities in a depth role. Thornton hasn't had more than one catch in a game this year since Sept. 21 against the Commanders. With Thornton out this weekend, it will give fellow rookie Jack Bech a chance for more playing time, although we aren't expecting much from him against the Broncos' stout defense.