Who Should I Start? Jimmy Horn Jr. or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Wednesday, November 19, 12:39 AM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. saw his first NFL action in Week 5 this season and has maintained a limited role in the offense. Horn played 27.1% of the snaps in that game and hasn't seen his snap share increase since. In fact, he had his lowest snap share of the season in Carolina's Week 11 win over the Falcons, playing just 8.8% of the snaps, and hasn't recorded a touch in the past two games. The rookie sixth-rounder has totaled six catches for 66 yards on 10 targets to go along with seven carries for 44 yards in seven games. It appears Brycen Tremaine has surpassed the rookie on the depth chart, as he has seen his snaps increase lately. Horn is an intriguing stash on taxi squads in dynasty leagues, but he isn't relevant in redraft leagues.

Wednesday, December 31, 12:25 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has had a quiet rookie season, recording 10 catches (29 targets) for 135 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 games. Thornton earned steady playing time out of the gate -- 61.8% of the snaps over the first five weeks -- and drew at least two targets in each game. Known for his speed and big-play ability as a prospect, he showcased his explosiveness for the Raiders in the first three games of his career, hauling in five of his 12 targets for 94 yards. The Tennessee product posted a 25% explosive-catch rate, tied for the highest in the league among receivers with at least 12 targets during that span. The rookie fourth-rounder's snaps eventually faded, beginning in Week 11, where he played on only 38.3% of snaps and gradually declined every week until bottoming out to 7.4% in Week 16. However, in Week 17, with the Raiders competing for the No. 1 overall pick, Thornton's snaps spiked to 78%. He recorded just two catches (four targets) for 12 yards, but he had his most receptions and targets in a game since Week 3. Looking to 2026, Thornton profiles as a big-play threat who is unlikely to be a consistent producer week to week.