Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Ricky Pearsall

Saturday, January 25, 4:29 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins did not have a single catch in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The veteran receiver was acquired by the Chiefs at the trade deadline and had an immediate impact. Hopkins' involvement dwindled as the season continued, and Xavier Worthy stepped into the WR1 role. The 32-year-old could be relatively uninvolved again versus the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game. Kansas City has centered its winning playoff strategy around running the ball and relying on a few trusted pass catchers. Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are above Hopkins in the pecking order, which could leave very few opportunities for the veteran receiver. Hopkins should not be started in most playoff leagues and should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex play in DFS.

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.