Who Should I Start? Jerry Jeudy or Brian Thomas Jr.

Saturday, December 27, 9:30 AM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has had a quiet season and is unlikely to make an impact in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last week against the Buffalo Bills, Jeudy played just 72% of the offensive snaps, his lowest snap share since Week 12, yet still posted a 94% route participation rate. The veteran wide-out brought in three of his four targets for 12 yards, which has been his average target share since rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders took over as the starter in Week 12. Despite this low production, Jeudy is still running routes on nearly every drop-back and remains the preferred wide receiver option, accounting for 38% of all WR targets over the last five games. Rain is expected in Cleveland at kickoff, which may put a damper on an already lackluster Browns air attack. Even though the Steelers' pass defense has given up the third-most passing yards per game this season in the league, they have stiffened since Week 13, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jeudy profiles as a deep-league WR4/FLEX due to his opportunities and large target share, which may increase if rookie tight end Harold Fannin J. (groin) misses Week 17 due to his injury sustained during Friday's practice.

Wednesday, January 14, 1:20 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was a big disappointment to his fantasy managers in his second season in the NFL after he came out guns blazing in his rookie campaign with 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns on 133 targets in 17 games. This year, Thomas took a step back with 48 catches on 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. "When you are part of a team that wins, the wealth will be shared. It will never truly be about one player. I will continue to pour into these guys... BT will 100% be a part of that," head coach Liam Coen said when asked about Thomas' future. The 23-year-old is going to remain involved in the Jags' passing attack, but the addition of Jakobi Meyers in 2025 really hurt his upside. Although Travis Hunter could play more defense in 2026, his presence will also be an obstacle to Thomas trying to rediscover his rookie form.