Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Javonte Williams

Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the plan is to bring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. back for the 2025 season. After signing receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to a hefty extension before the start of the 2024 season, it was assumed that the Niners would likely move on from Samuel heading into 2025 given his significant salary-cap hit. In addition to the decision regarding the future of Samuel, who missed the Week 18 regular-season finale due to rib and wrist injuries, the 49ers will also be navigating a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Niners change their mind on the 28-year-old Samuel, he could be a trade candidate with one year left on his deal. In 15 games in 2024, he had 51 catches for 670 yards and only three touchdowns despite Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) missing significant time with injuries.

Sunday, January 12, 4:22 PM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams tallied 29 yards on seven attempts during their loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon. Williams also brought in both of his targets for 14 yards. With Audric Estime listed as a healthy scratch, Williams led the Denver backfield, as the depth options, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie combined for just four rushing attempts. However, quarterback Bo Nix led the team in rushing with 43 yards. This was another disappointing game for Williams, as he had trouble finding consistency in the Denver rushing attack. Over the final six games of the regular season, the North Carolina product averaged a poor 2.4 yards per carry and only 11.0 yards per game. Williams saw his fantasy value decrease this season after falling into a committee in the Denver backfield and will look to rebound in 2025.