Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Sunday, December 28, 9:24 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been underwhelming during his first year with the team, but last week's season-high snap share offers plenty of optimism near the end of the regular season. Kupp played 93% of the snaps in last week's overtime win over his old team, the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the increased involvement, he posted modest volume with four targets, three catches, 39 yards, and a lost fumble. With that being said, managers should feel optimistic that his high snap share could lead to improved volume in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Kupp, who is the WR33 in half-PPR leagues over the last three weeks, faces a Carolina defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to slot receivers in 2025. His 284 slot snaps rank 14th-most among wide receivers this year. Kupp enters Week 17 as the WR49 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.

Wednesday, December 24, 9:54 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been held under 50 yards in three straight games and hasn't found the end zone since Week 11. Samuel has exceeded 50 receiving yards only twice over the past nine games. The former San Francisco 49er draws a potential get-right spot on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled to defend the pass. Dallas has allowed the most passing yards per game and the most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season. Washington's pass-catchers could take a hit for fantasy with quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play after missing consecutive practices to begin the week, opening the door for journeyman Josh Johnson to make his first start since 2021. Samuel currently ranks as RotoBaller's WR29 in PPR leagues in Week 17.