Who Should I Start? Zack Moss or Brian Thomas Jr.

Thursday, November 7, 10:34 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (neck) will meet with neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins and is likely to avoid surgery. It's good news for Moss, but he's already been placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the rest of the 2024 season after injuring his next in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He will be shut down for the next two months. In a best-case scenario, the 26-year-old might be able to return if the Bengals make the postseason and make a deep run. In his first year in Cincy, Moss finishes with 74 carries for 242 yards (career-low-tying 3.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while snagging 23 of his 27 targets for 187 more yards and a touchdown. The Bengals quickly replaced Moss by trading for Bears RB Khalil Herbert, who should immediately serve as the No. 2 behind Chase Brown, possibly as early as Thursday night against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens.

Friday, December 20, 11:38 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a must-start in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. In an otherwise awful year for the Jaguars offense, BTJ has been a lone bright spot. Last week against the New York Jets, he put up a whopping 10 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, making him one of the top fantasy receivers on the week, all with backup Mac Jones under center instead of starter Trevor Lawrence. The Raiders serve as an even easier option for fantasy receivers than the Jets, so it isn't crazy to think BTJ has the potential for a repeat performance. Even with more realistic expectations, BTJ has the upside and floor of a WR1 in Week 16 against the Raiders.