Who Should I Start? Roman Wilson or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Friday, September 5, 7:35 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson was sidelined for most of his rookie season but will look to make a name for himself in year two, starting with a road matchup against the New York Jets. Wilson should see some playing time, though his role is rather uncertain despite Pittsburgh's lack of proven pass-catchers. Between Wilson, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller, someone should emerge as the team's WR2 behind DK Metcalf, but it may take time for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to build chemistry with his new weapons. Austin is currently listed as a starter on the depth chart, likely delegating Wilson to a depth role to begin the campaign. He's not yet on the fantasy radar, but as a 2024 day-two pick who flashed this preseason, Wilson's usage in Week 1 is worth monitoring in deeper formats.

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.