Brian Thomas Jr.’s Week 13 Fantasy Football: Injury Updates, Start/Sit, and Key Projections

As Week 13 approaches, fantasy football owners are in the midst of crucial lineup decisions. One player to consider for your fantasy team is Brian Thomas Jr., the rookie wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the Jaguars set to face the Houston Texans, let’s break down his injury status, discuss whether you should start or sit him this week, and analyze what to expect from him in fantasy football moving forward.

Brian Thomas Jr. Week 13 Injury Status

Good news for fantasy managers—Brian Thomas Jr. is not listed on the injury report for Week 13, indicating he’s healthy and set to play against the Houston Texans.

Barring any unexpected setbacks, Thomas will suit up this weekend, providing fantasy managers with the opportunity to plug him into their lineups.

MUST READ: Braelon Allen Fantasy Football: Week 13 Injury Update, Start/Sit Advice, and Projections

As always, it’s important to stay updated on injury news, so be sure to check back regularly and monitor the NFL Injury Tracker for any last-minute updates.

MUST READ: MarShawn Lloyd Injury Update: What to Expect From Packers RB in Week 13 and Beyond

Start or Sit Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 13?

Despite a strong start to the 2024 season, Brian Thomas Jr. has encountered some struggles in recent weeks. Early in the year, he was a key part of the Jaguars’ passing attack, often seeing significant target share and delivering splash plays.

However, his production has slowed considerably as the season has progressed. Here’s a closer look at his performance:

• Early Season Success: Thomas had a notable stretch of three games in which he recorded at least eight targets per game. However, he hasn’t reached that mark in recent weeks.
• Big Plays Have Dried Up: In the first part of the season, Thomas had multiple plays over 55 yards. Yet, he has not had a reception over 30 yards in over a month, signaling a shift in his role within the offense.

While it’s typical for rookie receivers to experience growing pains as they adjust to the speed of the NFL, Thomas’ struggles are compounded by the broader issues facing the Jaguars’ offense. Quarterback inconsistency and offensive line issues have made it more difficult for any of the team’s receivers to find consistent success.

Should You Start or Sit Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 13?

Given his recent decline in production and the tough matchup against the Houston Texans, it’s recommended that fantasy managers sit Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 13. Despite his potential, the current state of the Jaguars’ offense—coupled with the Texans’ defensive strength—makes him a risky start.

• Jaguars’ Offense Struggles: The Jaguars have had issues with their passing game, primarily due to inconsistent play at the quarterback position. This has limited Thomas’ opportunities to make big plays or gain significant yardage.
• Tough Texans Defense: Houston’s defense ranks among the top in the league in terms of non-blitz sack rate, which could pressure Jaguars’ quarterbacks and stifle the passing game, making it even harder for Thomas to get involved.

While Thomas has the ability to make big plays, his lack of consistent volume and the tough matchup makes him a risky fantasy option for Week 13. Instead of relying on him, consider starting more reliable options who are guaranteed volume.

Alternative Start/Sit Options for Week 13

If you’re looking for a safer option than Brian Thomas Jr., consider starting a wide receiver with more consistent usage, such as Jakobi Meyers.

Meyers has been a steady contributor for his team, earning solid target share and offering a safer floor for fantasy production. While Meyers may not have the explosive upside of Thomas, his consistent involvement in his offense makes him a more dependable start this week.

Projections for Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 13

For Week 13, projections for Brian Thomas Jr. are relatively modest. While he could still make a splash play, it’s difficult to rely on him given the current state of the Jaguars’ offense. Here’s what you might expect from him this week:

• Receptions: 3-4
• Receiving Yards: 35-50 yards
• Touchdowns: Low chance of scoring

Given the uncertainty surrounding Thomas’ role and the matchup, his upside is capped, making him a more speculative option for fantasy managers.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Brian Thomas Jr. has shown promise this season but enters Week 13 in a tough spot. Given his recent struggles, the Jaguars’ offensive inconsistency, and a challenging matchup against the Houston Texans, sitting Thomas for Week 13 is the more prudent choice.

While he has the potential for big plays, the lack of consistent targets and the challenges faced by the Jacksonville offense make him a risky fantasy option this week.

People May Ask

1. Will Brian Thomas Jr. play in Week 13?

Yes, Brian Thomas Jr. is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play against the Houston Texans in Week 13.

2. Should I start Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 13?

It’s best to sit Brian Thomas Jr. for Week 13. His recent struggles and the tough matchup against the Texans make him a high-risk option this week.

3. What are Brian Thomas Jr.’s fantasy projections for Week 13?

For Week 13, Thomas is projected for 3-4 receptions, 35-50 receiving yards, and a low chance of scoring a touchdown.

4. Who are safer start options than Brian Thomas Jr. this week?

Consider starting Jakobi Meyers for a safer fantasy play. Meyers has been a consistent contributor and is more likely to see reliable target volume in Week 13.

5. Why is Brian Thomas Jr. struggling recently?

Thomas’ struggles are likely due to the Jaguars’ offensive inconsistencies, including issues at quarterback and a lack of quality protection from the offensive line, which has limited his opportunities.

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