Should I Pickup Tyquan Thornton For Fantasy Football Week 18? Waiver Wire Outlook

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has seen an increasing role in the offense over the past four weeks.

The speedy second-round pick out of Baylor has filled in for injured DeVante Parker and made his biggest impact over the four-week stretch with a career-high receiving yardage total in Week 17.

Thornton has scored three touchdowns on the season and has amassed 250 scrimmage yards.

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What Did Tyquan Thornton Do In Week 17?

Tyquan Thornton strung together the highest yardage output of his young career on Sunday in the win against the Miami Dolphins. Thornton grabbed three receptions on seven targets for 60 yards and a touchdown.

With the Patriots receiving corps banged up, Thornton stepped up when called upon. He tied his career high in snap percentage, raking in a 93% snap share, and hit his season-high in targets.

What Is Tyquan Thornton's Week 18 Outlook?

The New England Patriots clinch a playoff spot with a win in Week 18. The problem? They play the Buffalo Bills on the road. The Buffalo defense has been strong all season and will come into the game fired up playing for teammate Damar Hamlin.

Jakobi Meyers and DeVante Parker both practiced in limited capacity on Wednesday. If both are available on Sunday, it could cloud Thornton’s opportunities. While the rookie has shown flashes throughout the season, New England could throw the more experienced Parker back into his role if he is able to play in a must-win game.

Should I Pick Up Tyquan Thornton?

Thornton should not be added in redraft leagues if still playing in Week 18 due to his potential drop-off in opportunity combined with a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills at home. 

In keeper or dynasty leagues, Thornton should absolutely be rostered due to his potential for next season.

One of the fastest players in the NFL, Thornton is a candidate for an every-down role in the New England offense with Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor both on expiring contracts and Hunter Henry having a potential out as well. If he progresses throughout the offseason, he could be an interesting name in fantasy football for 2023.

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