Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or DeVonta Smith

Saturday, September 14, 2:44 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is in Minnesota as the team prepares for a Week 2 matchup versus the Vikings. The former South Carolina Gamecock fulfilled expectations and then some in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He finished the game with five receptions on nine targets for 54 yards through the air to go with eight carries for 23 yards and a touchdown on the ground. It's reasonable to expect similar usage in the running game, given running back Christian McCaffrey's continued absence and San Francisco's success with their approach last week. The similarities may stop with the passing game though, as 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk was playing in his first game action after sitting out the preseason, so the window for Samuel Sr. to take target advantage of Aiyuk's lack of football readiness may be closing. Minnesota's pass defense tamped down the fantasy performances of all New York Giants involved last week, but it's also possible New York's offense is just inept against everybody. Last year's Vikings defense was sixth-worst in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in half-PPR. Samuel Sr. is a locked-and-loaded WR1 in Week 2.

Friday, September 13, 7:50 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will take on the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night in Week 2. The 25-year-old had a solid performance in the regular season opener, nabbing seven of his eight targets and racking up 84 receiving yards. He was outdone by teammate A.J. Brown (hamstring) but may be forced into the No. 1 role with Brown being marked as a limited participant in Friday's practice. Fantasy managers should have confidence starting Smith regardless of Brown's status on Monday, but his upside could creep into WR1 territory if the star receiver is forced to sit this week out.