Who Should I Start? Van Jefferson or Tyquan Thornton

Saturday, August 23, 10:31 AM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson recorded 102 yards and a touchdown on three catches in his team's 23-13 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. Jefferson scored a 65-yard touchdown on a long catch-and-run in the second quarter. The 29-year-old is entering his first season in Tennessee after logging 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Jefferson projects to open the season as the WR3 in Tennessee alongside veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. However, he may struggle to hold off the team's pair of fourth-round rookie wide receivers, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Jefferson should be off the radar of fantasy managers in 2025.

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.