Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Ja'Marr Chase

Thursday, September 21, 12:44 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel enters his team's Thursday night home opener against the New York Giants with momentum. In Week 2 Samuel caught six-of-nine targets for 63 yards and added five carries for 38 yards and his first touchdown of the year. The Giants' defense have held their own against wide receivers in 2023, ranking ninth in the NFL in yards per game against receivers. However, they're tied for second-worst against the run so Samuel could contribute similarly on the ground this week. In addition, fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) is a game-time decision and Samuel may be targeted more often if Aiyuk is ruled out. Consider him a WR2 this week with distinct WR1 upside.

Friday, September 15, 9:30 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is coming off a down game, catching just five passes for 39 yards in the Week 1 loss to Cleveland. In all fairness, the weather didn't help, and Joe Burrow missed nearly all training camp with a calf injury. That said, it's hard to fathom Chase having consecutive duds, so fantasy managers should expect more production from him on Sunday versus Baltimore. The Ravens won't have Marlon Humphrey (foot) and Marcus Williams (pectoral), meaning the former LSU Tiger could thrive.