Who Should I Start? Tai Felton or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Thursday, September 18, 10:07 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton is still searching for his first offensive snap as Minnesota prepares to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. The rookie from Maryland has seen the field, but exclusively on special teams, even as Minnesota has needed extra help at receiver with Jordan Addison (suspension) out for the first three games. It's not a great sign for either Felton or the Vikings, who passed on receiver Elic Ayomanor and running backs Cam Skattebo and Bhayshul Tuten, among others, to select Felton in the third round. Felton is a safe drop in redraft leagues, but still a possible taxi-squad stash in dynasty formats.

Friday, September 12, 1:50 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was quiet in the team's Week 1 win over New England, logging just two catches on four targets for 45 yards while playing 60% of the snaps. Encouragingly, he drew more targets than Tre Tucker despite fewer snaps, and the Raiders leaned on the passing game as Geno Smith threw for 362 yards. With Chip Kelly determined to stretch the field, Thornton's speed keeps him in play as a stash with big-play potential. The Week 2 matchup adds intrigue, as the Chargers just allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in Week 1, giving Thornton an outside chance to make noise if he sees increased usage. Until his role grows, he's best kept on benches, but the upside is worth monitoring.