Who Should I Start? Tyquan Thornton or Jalen Royals

Wednesday, October 8, 10:27 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton continues to emerge as one of the pleasant surprises of the 2025 season. Through five games, the former Patriots wideout has caught 13 of 25 targets for 272 yards and three touchdowns, ranking as the WR22 in half-PPR formats. Even with the recent return of second-year receiver Xavier Worthy, Thornton's production has held strong, totaling 101 yards and a touchdown over his last two contests. However, fantasy managers should tread carefully. The Chiefs' target competition is about to heat up, with Rashee Rice expected to return in Week 7 and Worthy likely to see an expanded role as he regains full health. That looming target competition could significantly cut into Thornton's target share. Thornton has flashed legitimate big-play ability and chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, but his long-term fantasy value is uncertain. He's best viewed as a strong sell-high candidate while his value remains high.

Wednesday, October 8, 11:09 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals missed the first two games of the 2025 season with a knee injury. He's been active in each of the team's last three games, but Royals has not yet been targeted by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The 22-year-old appears buried on Kansas City's wide receiver depth chart behind Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Royals could fall down the depth chart even further in Week 7 when top Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is eligible to return from suspension. Royals maintains some appeal in dynasty leagues, but he should remain off the radar of redraft fantasy managers for the time being.