Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Malik Nabers


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.8 0.4 0.0 1.8 21.5 0.1

Christian Kirk News

Christian Kirk Rested During Preseason Opener

Friday, August 14, 9:46 AM

San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) did not play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Veteran Mike Evans (quadriceps) was also held out as a precaution. Both Kirk and Evans have missed practice recently in training camp with what are considered minor injuries, but they may both be cleared to play in the second preseason tilt next Thursday, Aug. 20, against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. The 29-year-old was brought in this offseason to bolster San Fran's receiving corps out of the slot. Ricky Pearsall (knee) has already been knocked out for the entire 2026 campaign, but the team's recent addition of Deebo Samuel Sr. has been bad news for Kirk's potential upside in his first year in the Bay Area. Kirk had only 28 catches on 52 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown in 13 regular-season games for the Houston Texans a year ago, and he continues to be hampered by injuries. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues will be ignoring Kirk on draft day.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
12.1 0.5 0.0 4.3 56.7 0.3

Malik Nabers News

Malik Nabers Needs to Take Contact Before Being Cleared for Week 1

Wednesday, August 19, 6:49 AM

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) has taken part in team periods over the past two practices as he works his way back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season, but until he sheds the red non-contact jersey he's worn since his return, he will not be cleared to play in the team's season opener against the Cowboys. Speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach John Harbaugh said, "He won't go through the rest of the summer in a red jersey... He's going to have to get bumped around and hit and fronted up. You just have to feel that and know how to deal with it to protect yourself." Harbaugh added, "I've always been hopeful that he would play in [Week 1 of] the regular season... Still don't know for sure, so we just have to see where we go day to day." Nabers' progress has been encouraging, but with one more significant hurdle to clear before the regular season, his status will need to be monitored throughout the end of camp.


Christian Kirk vs. Malik Nabers

Still trying to decide between Kirk and Nabers? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Christian Kirk is projected to score 4.8 points this week while Malik Nabers is projected to score 12.1 points.