As fantasy football owners overreact to Week 1 performances, future champions will make deals for under-performers. One of these players is Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jacksonville wide receiver had a terrific rookie season, posting 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns on 87 receptions. In a stacked wide receiver class, he was arguably the best in his rookie season.
Many drafted him early in fantasy drafts this year with the expectation that he’d continue his excellence. While the Jaguars drafted Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick, Thomas seemed to lock up that No. 1 receiver role. Plus, Hunter was going to play some cornerback as well.
It didn’t go so well in Week 1, however. Thomas caught one pass for 11 yards and had one rush for a nine-yard touchdown. Trevor Lawrence targeted Thomas seven times, but only converted once. It’s a terrible start to the 2025 season, which was further magnified because Hunter caught 6-of-8 targets for 33 yards.
Some fantasy football owners may believe Hunter will take over as the team’s lead receiver because of Week 1’s performance, but that won’t happen. Thomas is the clear No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville, even with a poor Week 1 outing.
He still garnered seven targets and was even utilized in the run game just as he was last year. The opportunity is still there. Hunter’s may steal the spotlight with his two-way play, but he won’t take away Thomas’ target share. Thomas will prove he’s more than just an excellent rookie; he’s the future of this franchise.
This is the opportunity to buy low on him. He’s the clear No. 1 wide receiver in Jacksonville, so making a trade of this caliber could lead to a championship.