Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Brian Thomas Jr.

Tuesday, September 16, 10:59 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson continues to operate as the lead back in New England. Stevenson delivered a strong Week 2 performance against the Miami Dolphins, rushing 11 times for 54 yards while adding five receptions for 88 yards. With rookie TreVeyon Henderson struggling in pass protection, Stevenson has reclaimed a significant role, logging 66% of the snaps and running a route on 43% of dropbacks through two weeks. The Patriots now face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, a defense that has already allowed 100-yard rushing games to both Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker, despite neither reaching 20 carries. Stevenson projects as a mid-range RB3 and a solid FLEX play against a vulnerable Steelers run defense.

Monday, September 15, 2:12 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (wrist) has not had the start that fantasy managers were hoping for after spending a late first or early second on him in drafts. His disappointing performance against the Bengals on Sunday saw him reel in four catches for 49 yards while making a bad drop near the goal line late in the game. According to head coach Liam Coen, Thomas Jr. was dealing with a wrist injury heading into the game. Having gone through a week of practice without appearing on the injury report, it's difficult to say when the injury was sustained or how much of a cause it has played in the lackluster start to his season. The Jaguars face the Texans in week 3, and it will be worth monitoring Thomas Jr.'s injury status throughout the week, but managers should continue to start him with better days presumably ahead.