Who Should I Start? Xavier Hutchinson or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Saturday, October 4, 11:56 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson continues to be the most involved receiver on the outside across the field from Nico Collins, with Christian Kirk playing in the slot. He hasn't had much production in the Texans' ineffective passing game, but he's getting enough work to be worth monitoring coming into this week's matchup with the Ravens, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Hutchinson played 68% of the team's snaps in Week 4, ahead of both rookie Jayden Higgins (44%) and rookie Jaylin Noel (24%). Hutchinson also had three targets, converting two into catches for 17 yards, while Higgins and Noel only had one target each. Higgins made the most of his catch with a touchdown, but it still looks like Hutchinson is ahead of him on the depth chart. Even with his bigger role and good matchup, Hutchinson is only the WR74 in the RotoBaller rankings, so he is best left on the bench or waiver wires until something changes.

Saturday, October 4, 6:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has yet to establish a consistent role in the team's offense, and his opportunities continue to dwindle as the Raiders shift toward heavier two-tight-end formations. In Week 4 against the Bears, Thornton saw just two targets and failed to record a catch, marking another quiet outing for the rookie. With Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker entrenched as the primary receivers and fellow rookie Jack Bech beginning to see occasional involvement, Thornton has fallen further down the depth chart. Until his target share increases or his role expands, fantasy managers can safely move on from Thornton in all formats. He remains a developmental stash at best, with little short-term fantasy appeal.