Who Should I Start? Tyquan Thornton or Ainias Smith

Saturday, December 13, 1:34 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton hasn't played a significant role in the offense since the return of Rashee Rice in Week 7, playing 24.1% of the snaps and catching four of nine targets for 119 yards over that time. The speedy wideout should see an uptick in snaps in Week 15's divisional game against the Los Angeles Chargers with Marquise Brown (personal) ruled out. The former New England Patriot was dynamic in the first five games of the season, seeing regular playing time, averaging 20.9 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns on 13 catches. Thornton faces a challenging matchup on Sunday as the Chargers have allowed the fewest PPR points per game against wide receivers this season. He profiles as a boom-or-bust flex option in deeper leagues.

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.