Who Should I Start? Brian Thomas Jr. or Ricky Pearsall

Sunday, December 22, 10:32 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was stellar again in Week 16 in a 19-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie receiver finished with nine catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was for 62 yards late in the third quarter. BTJ has proven to be a top young receiver in the NFL given his elite production with inconsistent quarterback play. With both Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones under center, he has had big games. Just last week he had 10 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the cards being stacked against him, the rookie has shone brightly for fantasy managers who kept faith in him in the fantasy playoffs. The rookie stud will look to continue his exceptional play in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans.

Monday, December 23, 12:49 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was marginally involved during a 29-17 loss to the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday. The first-round pick caught all four of his targets for 37 yards. After missing the early part of the year due to a gunshot wound, Pearsall's production escalated each game from Week 7 to Week 10, culminating in a 17.3 half-PPR performance at Tampa Bay. Any fantasy optimism quickly fizzled out though, as Pearsall then recorded three straight goose eggs. Sunday's modest performance was the most productive Pearsall has been since the aforementioned Bucs game. The 49ers will almost certainly need to make full use of their passing attack in Week 17 when the Detroit Lions bring an elite offense to Levi's Stadium, but Pearsall will be nothing more than a deep-league prayer, barring an injury ahead of him.