Who Should I Start? Curtis Samuel or Xavier Legette

Sunday, December 22, 3:05 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) is inactive for Sunday's divisional matchup against the New England Patriots. Samuel sustained this injury during last weekend's victory over the Buffalo Bills. During the week, Samuel remained a limited participant but was unable to turn the corner. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Amari Cooper to operate as the top wideouts for Josh Allen. Samuel has had a disappointing season catching just 24 passes for 201 yards and one score.

Monday, December 23, 4:33 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (groin) is progressing, and head coach Dave Canales "likes the strides he's making." However, Canales also said Legette needs to make significant improvement to be ready to go for Week 17 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Panthers want to get the rookie receiver back on the field, but they aren't going to rush him back, either. It's sounding like Legette could be fighting an uphill battle to be active in Week 17, but we'll have a better idea of his status once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was injured in the Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive for the Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals. If Legette is able to return in Week 17, he should be avoided in fantasy lineups in championship matchups, as he hasn't been a top-50 wideout in his first year in the NFL in 2024.