Who Should I Start? Kalif Raymond or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Saturday, September 20, 10:07 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond has recorded three catches for 30 yards on four targets through his first two games of 2025. Raymond has been the team's primary WR3 alongside Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but he could eventually fall behind rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa. After playing 44 snaps in Week 1, Raymond played 32 snaps in Week 2. In contrast, TeSlaa's snap count went up by 14 plays from Week 1 to Week 2. The veteran Raymond will likely still see the field a decent amount in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, but he should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

Friday, September 12, 1:50 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was quiet in the team's Week 1 win over New England, logging just two catches on four targets for 45 yards while playing 60% of the snaps. Encouragingly, he drew more targets than Tre Tucker despite fewer snaps, and the Raiders leaned on the passing game as Geno Smith threw for 362 yards. With Chip Kelly determined to stretch the field, Thornton's speed keeps him in play as a stash with big-play potential. The Week 2 matchup adds intrigue, as the Chargers just allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in Week 1, giving Thornton an outside chance to make noise if he sees increased usage. Until his role grows, he's best kept on benches, but the upside is worth monitoring.