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

Saturday, October 18, 12:59 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans' (hamstring) status for his team's Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions is "considered a pre-game decision," per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter also notes that "there is more hope" for Evans than fellow Bucs wideout Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), who is also considered a game-time decision with a hamstring injury. Evans has missed the last three weeks for Tampa Bay after injuring his hamstring in Week 3. With Egbuka potentially sidelined and Chris Godwin (fibula) ruled out, Evans would likely dominate targets in Week 7 if he can make his return to the field. If he remains out, Buccaneers wideouts Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson would all likely see an uptick in playing time and target share. Should Evans be available, he profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in Week 7 against Detroit.

Sunday, October 12, 10:13 PM

After a slow start to the 2025 season, his second year in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has heated up the last two weeks. In the 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Thomas had eight catches on 10 targets for a season-high 90 yards and his first touchdown of the year. He led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Thomas' eight catches were the most he's had in a game this season, and he's now caught 12 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the last two weeks. Fantasy managers are hoping that the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher is just starting to find his groove with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Thomas had over 1,200 yards receiving and 10 total touchdowns in 2024, so we know what he's capable of. He'll be a must-start in a Week 7 matchup in London against the Los Angeles Rams.