Watching the Jacksonville Jaguars offense in 2024 is like driving by someone pulled over by a cop on the highway. You hope everyone is OK, but you can’t help but slow down and take a peek. It’s human nature to wonder about the disasters before your eyes, but you hope that Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. can survive the mayhem in this case.
Due to the inept offense, both players have become questions in our weekly start/sit articles because they have become an enigma for many fantasy football managers. With Jacksonville facing a challenging opponent in the division-rival Houston Texans, we must correctly identify whether to play either of these wide receivers.
Should You Start Christian Kirk or Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 4?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say Kirk is the player to start. Kirk’s projections gave him the higher fantasy output, as he is slated to score 12.2 fantasy points to Thomas’ total of 11. Kirk’s points consist of him bringing in 4.4 receptions for 58.3 receiving yards. Thomas is projected to only produce 3.6 receptions with 54.3 receiving yards.
We agree with the rankings, especially since Evan Engram will miss another week for the Jaguars. Kirk will continue to be Lawrence’s safety blanket. Although Lawrence loves the deep ball, which aligns with Thomas’ skill set, we can’t guarantee the accuracy, making Thomas risky for Week 4 against the Texans.
Kirk’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Kirk has struggled to begin this season as he is tied with the rookie Thomas in targets and beneath him in receiving yards. TruMedia does rank Kirk ahead of Thomas in air yards per target, 24th in the NFL, as Kirk is seeing the ball down the field a bit more this season. However, he hasn’t done much with it yet. Kirk has struggled to haul in his targets, as his reception percentage is 58.8%, 59th-best in the NFL.
The Texans are a challenging opponent. They have only allowed the sixth-most receptions by wide receivers this season. Kirk will provide you with the safer floor of these two wide receivers; however, do not expect a coming-out party for Kirk this week. If you are projected to beat your opponent, take this safe floor with Kirk and ride out the bumps in the road.
Thomas’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
Thomas is the definition of speed down and a tremendous down-the-field threat for a quarterback who loves to throw the deep ball. The issue has been Lawrence’s accuracy, which is why Thomas has a 64.7% reception percentage total, 51st in the NFL. Thomas hasn’t helped his case, as he has three drops on the season.
We are currently watching an inept offense with a rookie trying to find his footing in the NFL. We may like his talents, but we should be cautious about starting him in the foreseeable future.
Brian Thomas Jr pic.twitter.com/Iw4gGhCDun
— 💫 (@NewMediaSports_) September 19, 2024