Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Brian Thomas Jr.

Saturday, September 13, 12:51 AM

Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith fell victim to a strange week for the Philadelphia passing game against the Cowboys, being targeted just three times for three catches and 16 yards. Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert led the team in targets in Week 1, and Jahan Dotson had the most receiving yards in what was a bit of an anomaly. Philly will likely get back to their normal ways eventually, which favors Smith in this upcoming contest against the Chiefs as the Eagles' typical second option in the passing game. In their Super Bowl LIX clash, Smith led his team in receiving yards (69) and caught a touchdown against Kansas City. He's a player that's known to be up-and-down in fantasy, so managers have to bank on this being an up week for Smith in a favorable matchup-especially with Goedert (knee) being unavailable. The Chiefs let the Chargers pass all over them last Friday, so Smith is a solid WR2 for Week 2 in hopes that his offense can do something similar.

Monday, September 15, 2:12 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (wrist) has not had the start that fantasy managers were hoping for after spending a late first or early second on him in drafts. His disappointing performance against the Bengals on Sunday saw him reel in four catches for 49 yards while making a bad drop near the goal line late in the game. According to head coach Liam Coen, Thomas Jr. was dealing with a wrist injury heading into the game. Having gone through a week of practice without appearing on the injury report, it's difficult to say when the injury was sustained or how much of a cause it has played in the lackluster start to his season. The Jaguars face the Texans in week 3, and it will be worth monitoring Thomas Jr.'s injury status throughout the week, but managers should continue to start him with better days presumably ahead.