Who Should I Start? Tory Horton or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Friday, September 5, 2:15 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton is not on the fantasy radar in Week 1 when Seattle hosts the San Francisco 49ers. However, Horton's usage is one to watch as the 2025 fifth-round pick won the Seahawks' No. 3 wide receiver job this offseason. It may be difficult for a run-heavy team to support fantasy relevance from three wide receivers, but if Horton is constantly on the field and running routes, that would suggest he has a chance to take on a huge role as the season progresses. If you have an extra roster spot due to a player being on IR, Horton is a worthy stash from waivers. If the Seahawks take a top-heavy approach at wide receiver with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, then Horton can likely be dropped. If the split is more even, Horton is a solid hold throughout the season.

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.