Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Ricky Pearsall

Friday, September 12, 12:09 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp should be avoided in fantasy lineups in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, Kupp should be avoided until the Seahawks prove that they can make anything happen in the passing game outside of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That day may very well come. Kupp's role in the slot is very valuable in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's offense. However, the Seahawks will need time to implement the new system with all the new pieces fully. Kupp's volume will be one to watch in Week 2. He only received three targets in Week 1 with quarterback Sam Darnold locking in Smith-Njigba. As the offensive chemistry grows, Darnold will begin spreading the ball around more. Once Kupp's targets increase, he should find himself back on the flex radar. However, based on where he was drafted, you likely have plenty of other flex options in the short term.

Thursday, September 11, 11:52 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is set to see an elevated workload in Sunday's meeting with the New Orleans Saints due to a myriad of injuries his team has faced. The 49ers won their opening matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but it didn't come without some collateral damage. Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) landed on IR with a hamstring injury, while fellow wideout Jauan Jennings (shoulder) picked up a shoulder issue of his own. Jennings isn't a lock to play in Week 2, leaving Pearsall and running back Christian McCaffrey as the 49ers' top options against New Orleans. Unfortunately, quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) isn't likely to start either, meaning Pearsall could -- and will probably -- be catching passes from former New England Patriot Mac Jones. The University of Florida product's target quality gets a downgrade if that's the case, but hopefully, his volume will help mitigate that.