Who Should I Start? Mack Hollins or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Thursday, August 28, 6:06 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins "has probably been the best option" in training camp to start outside across from Stefon Diggs. DeMario Douglas is slated to start in the slot for the team in three-wide sets under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Graff guesses that Hollins will "get the most snaps there in Week 1." Kayshon Boutte had 589 receiving yards last year (Hollins had just 378). Beyond Hollins and Boutte, the best long-term option is rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker were released on Wednesday. It's notable for the 31-year-old Hollins, but it won't be a big enough role for fantasy managers to take notice in 12-team leagues, especially with second-year quarterback Drake Maye expected to have plenty of growing pains in his first year as the full-time starter.

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.