Who Should I Start? Pat Bryant or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Saturday, September 6, 1:03 PM

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant enters Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans as a deep sleeper to monitor. The third-round pick brings size and physicality to the Broncos' offense and profiles as a future red-zone threat alongside Courtland Sutton. Long term, his role should grow, but in the short term, his path to playing time is blocked by Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and fellow rookie Troy Franklin. Even if Bryant sees the field, this isn't the week to roll the dice. The Titans' defense allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, making Denver's passing attack a tough bet. For now, Bryant belongs on the waiver wire watchlist rather than in fantasy lineups.

Friday, September 5, 7:21 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. enters Week 1 as one of the more intriguing sleepers of the 2025 draft class. The 6'5" playmaker earned a starting role ahead of Amari Cooper's retirement and will face a Patriots secondary that could be without cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Thornton's size and downfield ability have made him a favorite target for quarterback Geno Smith throughout camp, flashing legitimate big-play upside. While his early-season role carries promise, the Raiders are still expected to lean on their running game, limiting his immediate fantasy ceiling. Thornton should be stashed on benches with the potential to develop into a key contributor.