Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Brian Thomas Jr.

Friday, October 17, 12:32 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. There was optimism that McLaurin might return to action this weekend for the first time since injuring his quad in Week 3 when he was limited in Wednesday's practice. However, the 30-year-old was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday and will be held out for a fourth straight game. Fantasy managers need to keep him on their benches. Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has already missed two practices this week and could also be in question to play against Dallas. Washington placed Noah Brown (groin, knee) on Injured Reserve this week, which is why they added former Titans first-round wideout Treylon Burks to their practice squad on Thursday. With McLaurin officially out and Samuel questionable, more targets could be coming for Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane, and tight end Zach Ertz.

Sunday, October 12, 10:13 PM

After a slow start to the 2025 season, his second year in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has heated up the last two weeks. In the 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Thomas had eight catches on 10 targets for a season-high 90 yards and his first touchdown of the year. He led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Thomas' eight catches were the most he's had in a game this season, and he's now caught 12 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the last two weeks. Fantasy managers are hoping that the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher is just starting to find his groove with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Thomas had over 1,200 yards receiving and 10 total touchdowns in 2024, so we know what he's capable of. He'll be a must-start in a Week 7 matchup in London against the Los Angeles Rams.