Who Should I Start? Courtland Sutton or Ricky Pearsall

Friday, February 6, 10:30 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton posted another rock-solid season in 2025, recording 74 receptions for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns on 124 targets across 17 games played. His 2025 line is nearly identical to his 2024 production, when he hauled in 81 grabs for 1,081 yards and eight scores on 135 targets. While Sutton may not carry elite fantasy upside, he's established himself as the number one pass-catcher in an above-average Broncos' offense and has proven he can provide a consistent production floor. However, Sutton's long-term fantasy outlook may be dimming heading into 2026. For one, Sutton will be entering his age-31 season. Additionally, Denver has multiple wide receivers on rookie contracts in Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr., who are all candidates to take a step forward next year. Sutton will likely remain a safe wide receiver option for redraft leagues in 2026, but dynasty managers may be wise to anticipate the start of his decline phase.

Sunday, February 15, 4:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is trending up ahead of the NFL offseason. Fellow Niners receiver Jauan Jennings is headed for free agency, and given that his relationship with the team is rocky, it seems likely that he'll sign somewhere else. If Jennings does leave, and Brandon Aiyuk also departs as expected, that will open the door for Pearsall to step into the No. 1 receiver role. He showed the ability to handle a top role at times in 2025, but injuries prevented fantasy managers from being able to fully evaluate him. He ultimately finished his second pro season with 36 catches, 528 yards, and zero touchdowns across nine games. Because of his injury history, it might be tough for the 49ers to trust Pearsall as their No. 1 receiver. We wouldn't be surprised to see them go out and grab a top pass-catcher via trade or free agency, leaving Pearsall in the No. 2 role once again. He can absolutely still offer upside in fantasy football, though. The 49ers have a very capable offense, so Pearsall will be able to turn any workload into fantasy points. He ranks as a fringe top-36 fantasy receiver for 2026 and would jump into the top 24 if the 49ers don't bring in any competition for him.