Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Brian Thomas Jr.

Thursday, December 18, 5:32 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) was given the day off on Thursday after he put in a limited practice on Wednesday, according to the team's official website. Evans returned last week for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7. He played only 55% of the offensive snaps, but when he was on the field, quarterback Baker Mayfield was looking his way often. The 32-year-old veteran pass-catcher was targeted a season-high 12 times, catching six passes for 132 yards in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. The Bucs will most likely be resting the veteran during the week from here on out, but he should be ready to roll for a huge divisional game on Sunday on the road in Carolina against the Panthers. After Evans' big performance in Week 15, fantasy managers should have him slotted back into all starting lineups in Week 16.

Thursday, December 18, 9:18 AM

Though this has been an undoubtedly frustrating season for Brian Thomas Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver is coming off back-to-back solid performances as his team has ascended to the top of the AFC South. The second-year player, ranked as the No. 44 overall PPR receiver, is certainly in the conversation for the biggest fantasy disappointment of the season relative to draft position. However, managers who weathered modest outputs and an injury may have a light at the end of the tunnel, as Thomas has looked more like his rookie self with 13 targets, 7 catches, 153 yards, and a touchdown during the past two weeks. The Jags have a tough Week 16 matchup against a Denver Broncos defense that ranks ninth against PPR receivers, but Jacksonville and quarterback Trevor Lawrence are on such a hot streak that Thomas should carry WR3/flex consideration for managers deep in the playoffs.