Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Garrett Wilson

Saturday, March 1, 6:59 PM

The Washington Commanders have acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Samuel's name has been around several trade discussions throughout the offseason after his disappointing 2024 campaign. In 2024, Samuel found the back of the end zone just four times and tallied 836 all-purpose yards. Through the air, Samuel caught 670 yards on 51 receptions. This was his lowest receiving total since the 2022 campaign. On the ground, Samuel ran for 136 yards, which is his lowest total in a season in which he played in at least 15 games. The Washington Commanders lacked a proven No. 2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin throughout the 2024 season. Even though McLaurin set the franchise record in receiving touchdowns, their No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, combined for just two receiving scores. Fantasy managers should expect Samuel to operate as the No. 2 pass catcher opposite of McLaurin. Even though he is entering his seventh professional season, he will still carry value as a WR2 in all formats catching passes from breakout rookie Jayden Daniels. In San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk will operate as the top wideout with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall slotting behind him.

Thursday, March 13, 10:07 PM

The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt write that New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be the no-doubt No. 1 target in this offense in 2025 and should have a big season as he reunites with quarterback Justin Fields, who he played with in college at Ohio State. As a freshman for the Buckeyes in 2020 with Fields at QB, Wilson caught 50 passes for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. Fields' ability to run the football should make life easier on running back Breece Hall. Not only does Wilson have prior history and chemistry with Fields, but the primary thing that will make Wilson's fantasy ceiling higher in 2025 is the fact that receiver Davante Adams is out of town. Fields can definitely stand to improve as a passer, but even if he doesn't, Wilson should eat and be a surefire WR1 target in fantasy drafts this fall.