Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Ricky Pearsall

Saturday, February 1, 2:43 PM

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Buffalo Bills were "happy" with Cooper's production and play with the team this season and are interested in re-signing him. Fowler noted that sources within the team are "intrigued" about getting him in a full offseason plan with quarterback Josh Allen. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 30-year-old's status during free agency, as a return to Buffalo could be a possible destination. Cooper was traded to Buffalo prior to their Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Throughout his eight regular season games with Buffalo, Cooper caught 20 passes for 297 yards and two scores. He also did not have much of a role during the playoffs, as he caught just six passes for 41 yards. If Cooper re-signs with Buffalo, fantasy managers should expect him to share targets with Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.