Who Should I Start? Nico Collins or Brian Thomas Jr.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
13.9 0.7 0.0 4.7 69.7 0.3

Nico Collins News

Nico Collins Shining in Training Camp

Wednesday, August 12, 7:35 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has looked strong at training camp, according to Texans analyst John Harris. During the team's indoor practice on Tuesday, Collins made big play after big play. Collins is coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons and has averaged 14 half-PPR fantasy points per game since 2023. With players like Jayden Higgins emerging in his second season and Tank Dell returning from injury, volume may become more volatile. He will need to rely more on efficiency and touchdowns in 2026, which will hinge on quarterback C.J. Stroud's performance this season. When healthy and playing well, Collins is a sure-fire WR1 in fantasy, so fantasy managers should consider the sixth-year receiver this season.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.3 1.0 0.0 3.4 51.1 0.3

Brian Thomas Jr. News

Brian Thomas Jr.'s Speed to Be Showcased in X-Role

Thursday, August 13, 6:05 AM

Following a disappointing sophomore campaign in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. could find renewed success as a field-stretcher in 2026. After experimenting with more of an in-traffic role last season, the team wants to make better use of his speed, which NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe described as his superpower. Thomas is expected to be featured in a similar X-role to the one that netted Brandin Cooks 80 receptions and 1,204 yards while working in this offense with the Rams in 2018, and Wolfe has been told that "it's night and day how he's looked in training camp this year compared to last year." Thomas is RotoBaller's WR34, and while his spike weeks will likely prove capable of single-handedly deciding a handful of fantasy matchups, in a crowded Jaguars receiver room, weekly consistency could still be hard to come by.


Nico Collins vs. Brian Thomas Jr.

Still trying to decide between Collins and Thomas Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Nico Collins is projected to score 13.9 points this week while Brian Thomas Jr. is projected to score 10.3 points.