Who Should I Start? Kayshon Boutte or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Thursday, September 4, 7:18 PM

ESPN's Mike Reiss writes that New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte projects to start alongside Stefon Diggs and slot man DeMario Douglas going into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, with nine-year veteran Mack Hollins next on the depth chart. Rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III will provide additional depth. Boutte may draw the "start" on Sunday in the season opener, but fantasy managers should expect the 23-year-old to split time with Hollins in three-wide sets. The former sixth-rounder is unlikely to be on the field enough or see enough targets to be a starting option in fantasy lineups in an offense that could have a steep learning curve early in the season. Even Diggs, the team's presumed WR1, will be a shaky WR4/flex in fantasy in Week 1 coming off an ACL tear. Boutte is currently rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues.

Friday, September 5, 7:21 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. enters Week 1 as one of the more intriguing sleepers of the 2025 draft class. The 6'5" playmaker earned a starting role ahead of Amari Cooper's retirement and will face a Patriots secondary that could be without cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Thornton's size and downfield ability have made him a favorite target for quarterback Geno Smith throughout camp, flashing legitimate big-play upside. While his early-season role carries promise, the Raiders are still expected to lean on their running game, limiting his immediate fantasy ceiling. Thornton should be stashed on benches with the potential to develop into a key contributor.