Who Should I Start? Jayden Reed or Brian Thomas Jr.

Saturday, December 21, 4:41 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed had a hot start to his 2024 NFL season but has been stuck in a slump and Reed looks like climb out of it in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints. Reed has 34 receiving yards or fewer and is averaging less than four targets per game in his last five games. While Reed has three touchdowns in those games, those touchdowns are what is fueling his fantasy value lately, not his target-earning ability. Add in Romeo Doubs returning to the Packers' lineup from concussion protocol last week, and that addition continues to smooth out targets for every other pass-catching option for Green Bay. The Saints have been a middle-of-the-pack team in defending slot receivers this season, so the matchup good. Despite that, Reed is a low-end flex option for fantasy managers given the Packers' focus on the run and dwindling passing-game opportunities.

Friday, December 20, 11:38 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a must-start in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. In an otherwise awful year for the Jaguars offense, BTJ has been a lone bright spot. Last week against the New York Jets, he put up a whopping 10 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, making him one of the top fantasy receivers on the week, all with backup Mac Jones under center instead of starter Trevor Lawrence. The Raiders serve as an even easier option for fantasy receivers than the Jets, so it isn't crazy to think BTJ has the potential for a repeat performance. Even with more realistic expectations, BTJ has the upside and floor of a WR1 in Week 16 against the Raiders.