Who Should I Start? Curtis Samuel or Ricky Pearsall

Monday, January 27, 2:23 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel caught a four-yard touchdown pass during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuel's score came on his only reception, but he did have three total targets in the contest. The veteran occupied a depth role throughout the 2024 season, routinely operating behind players like Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. He's under contract with Buffalo through 2026, but he could face some additional competition next year if the Bills pursue a wide receiver addition during free agency or the NFL Draft. As it stands, Samuel can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.