Who Should I Start? Hunter Henry or Adam Thielen

Friday, November 22, 10:30 AM

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has formed a strong rapport with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, which bodes well for the veteran pass-catcher heading into Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. Henry is averaging five catches, 51.8 receiving yards, 0.2 touchdowns, and 11.2 fantasy points (half-PPR) through Maye's six games as the Patriots starter. He has been the overall TE12 during that six-week stretch, leading the team in catches. This week, Henry faces the Dolphins, who rank near the middle of the league in terms of production allowed to opposing tight ends. However, that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. Looking at recent context, this Miami defense allowed a record-breaking game from Brock Bowers last week; the rookie tallied 13 catches, 126 yards, and one touchdown. Henry isn't necessarily on the same level as Bowers, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every tight end they face. Henry should be deployed as a low-end TE1 in leagues with 10-plus teams.

Thursday, November 21, 3:10 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday as he looks to make his return to game-day action this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time since injuring his hamstring in Week 3. Thielen was activated from Injured Reserve during the team's bye week, but he's still not in the clear to return for Week 12. An upgrade to a full practice session on Friday could do the trick. The 34-year-old veteran expects to play against KC, although the Panthers could monitor his workload on Sunday if that's the case given his long layoff. When he's fully up to speed, though, Thielen should be one of quarterback Bryce Young's top targets opposite rookie Xavier Legette. Thielen is worth stashing for WR depth in deeper leagues, but he's trending as a shaky fantasy play against a tough Chiefs defense if he's active on Sunday.