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

Wednesday, August 13, 10:38 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has looked very impressive during team practices. On Tuesday, Collins was able to find the back of the end zone on a remarkable catch against second-year defensive back Kamari Lassiter. In 2024, Collins posted his second-straight 1,000-yard campaign as he tallied 1,006 yards on 68 receptions. He found the back of the end zone seven times. Despite missing five games due to a hamstring injury, Collins produced as an elite WR1. Through his 12 games, Collins averaged an impressive 17.5 PPR points per game with 83.8 receiving yards per game. During the offseason, Texas added two pass catchers in the draft, such as Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. They also brought in veteran Christian Kirk. With Collins slated to operate as the clear top option for C.J. Stroud once again, he is worth a selection in the first round despite his injury concerns. If he can stay on the field throughout all of 2025, he could make a push to finish as the overall WR1.

Thursday, August 7, 12:52 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (illness) is back at training camp practice on Thursday, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Thomas returns after sitting out on Wednesday while being under the weather. Head coach Liam Coen said that "everybody" will play in the preseason opener this Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Thomas should be on the field. The 22-year-old is a top-10 fantasy wideout going into his second NFL campaign after impressing to the tune of 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) as a rookie. The Jags added two-way star Travis Hunter in the first round this year, and he should take over immediately as the WR2 across from Thomas to help draw some attention away from him. In Coen's offense, Thomas could be even more prolific in Year 2.