Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Jacob Cowing

Sunday, January 26, 1:51 PM

According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith is inactive for Sunday's NFC title game against the Washington Commanders. The rookie wideout will be a healthy scratch. The Texas A&M product was also inactive during the first two games of the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, Smith saw a limited role as he caught just three passes through the first 17 weeks. However, in Week 18, Smith caught all four of his targets for 35 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson to operate as the top wideouts in the Philadelphia offense in this contest.

Tuesday, July 15, 3:38 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing had a quiet rookie season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Arizona. The 24-year-old produced just four receptions for 80 yards and rushed once for seven yards. Otherwise, he did the majority of his work as a punt returner. Entering 2025, Deebo Samuel Sr. is now with the Washington Commanders, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is likely to miss the start of the new campaign. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Cowing has a chance to earn touches in Kyle Shanahan's offense. "[Cowing] could take a lot of the departed Deebo Samuel's gadget plays. The 49ers like his toughness, speed, and nose for yards after the catch," Tafur wrote. "Cowing added more weight in the offseason to his once 168-pound frame to handle sweeps and other running plays. He looked sharp at offseason workouts and, with Brandon Aiyuk still sidelined, could carve out an important role at training camp." Add in the fact that Jauan Jennings has requested a new deal or to be traded, and Cowing is now slightly on the fantasy football radar. That said, he's more of a deep-league flier or best ball dart throw. For now, he should be left on the waiver wire in traditional 12-team setups.