Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Ricky Pearsall

Saturday, November 23, 2:49 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. Hopkins had limited success in last week's 21-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran receiver reeled in three catches for 29 yards in the team's first loss of the season. Hopkins will be in a more favorable matchup this week against the Panthers, who rank 12th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The Panthers defense is much more beatable than their fantasy points allowed would suggest since most teams do not need to pass very much against them. Hopkins should be capable of producing a great fantasy performance in this week's matchup. The 32-year-old is ranked WR23 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a low-end WR2/WR3 option against the Panthers. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Hopkins in this matchup despite his inconsistent usage.

Saturday, November 23, 2:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall faces a tough road matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. Last week Pearsall turned in a donut, failing to catch either of two targets in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It was particularly disappointing though, since the game before in Tampa saw Pearsall catch his first touchdown en route to a six-target, four-catch, 73-yard performance. Even if Pearsall's ceiling is enticing, last week made it clear what his floor is. To make matters worse, San Francisco will be without its starting quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), and possibly left tackle Trent Williams, who is questionable with an ankle issue. Backup Brandon Allen may well be up to the task of running the Niners' offense, but the risk is prohibitive for a player like Pearsall in fantasy. The rook is a low-end WR4 at best, with only deep-league managers considering a dart throw.