Jacksonville’s receiving hierarchy has shifted dramatically following a midseason trade. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. both enter a crucial divisional showdown seeking expanded production. Which Jaguars receiver warrants fantasy football trust for Week 14?
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Jakobi Meyers’ Fantasy Outlook
Meyers has seamlessly transitioned from the No. 2 option in a dysfunctional Raiders offense to the clear No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville’s passing attack. You never know what will happen when a player gets traded midseason, but Meyers has thrived in his new environment.
He has seen exactly six targets in three consecutive games since joining the Jaguars. The production has been exceptional across that span.
Meyers caught 15 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns over his last three games in Jacksonville. He has recorded at least 50 yards in three straight contests while finding the end zone in back-to-back games.
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His performance against Tennessee showcased his elevated role. Meyers caught all six of his targets for 90 yards and a touchdown in the 25-3 victory. He hauled in a spectacular 50-yard catch-and-run late in the first quarter, then capped the same drive with a three-yard touchdown reception.
Is Meyers more talented than Thomas? Probably not. But he’s clearly the top option in Jacksonville’s passing game. Trevor Lawrence has developed quick trust with the veteran receiver, creating consistent target opportunities regardless of game script.
Brian Thomas Jr.’s Fantasy Outlook
Thomas returned last week after a three-game absence due to a high ankle sprain. He looked healthy and played 75% of the snaps against the Titans. The second-year receiver came through his first game back without any setbacks, confirming his injury no longer limits his physical capabilities.
Unfortunately, the production wasn’t there. Thomas caught just two passes on three targets for 28 yards. He secured an 11-yard reception on Jacksonville’s opening possession, then delivered a crucial block that sprung Meyers for additional yards on the 50-yard catch-and-run.
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The lack of involvement raises questions about his status in the hierarchy. Thomas only saw three targets while Meyers led the team with six. There wasn’t much volume to distribute, as Lawrence attempted just 27 passes in the blowout win.
Whether Thomas is no longer a priority or if his limited production merely reflected game script remains unclear. He has posted a single usable fantasy performance this entire season.
Thomas has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy, recording just 32 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown this season. He’s never going to be the WR1 he was supposed to be, at least not this year.
Should You Start Meyers or Thomas This Week?
Indianapolis presents an elite matchup for Jacksonville’s wide receivers. The Colts allow the third-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to the position, ranking among the league’s most generous defenses. They’ve surrendered massive production to opposing receivers throughout the season, creating ideal conditions for Lawrence and his pass-catchers.
The game environment projects as highly competitive between division rivals. Both teams enter at 8-4 records, tied for first place in the AFC South. This represents a key divisional showdown that both teams desperately need. Indianapolis opened as 1.5-point road favorites with the total set at 47.5 points.
Indianapolis functions as a pass-funnel defense. Teams attack them through the air rather than on the ground, creating elevated passing volume for opposing offenses. The Colts have struggled particularly against opposing wide receivers, allowing consistent production to both WR1 and WR2 options. This matchup projects for significantly more competitive game script than last week’s blowout.
If there were ever a week for Thomas to get back on track, it’s this one. The combination of elite matchup, competitive game environment, and full health creates optimal conditions for a bounce-back performance. Even WR3 numbers would go a long way for fantasy managers who invested premium draft capital in him.
Meyers deserves to be ranked ahead of Thomas and should be prioritized if fantasy managers roster both. He operates as a must-start WR3 with genuine upside against Indianapolis’ vulnerable secondary.
Thomas remains a cautiously optimistic play who could deliver usable production for the first time in weeks. He won’t return to elite WR1 status this season, but the matchup and circumstances provide hope for at least serviceable fantasy output moving forward.