Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Josh Palmer

Friday, December 20, 11:40 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will bring the least productive five-game stretch of his career into a Week 16 matchup in Miami on Sunday. He is averaging 3.3 half-PPR points over that stretch, including a 3.4-point performance last Thursday at home versus the Los Angeles Rams. Samuel Sr. reached a low point when he dropped an important 3rd-down pass in LA territory to a chorus of boos from the home fans. He'll have better days ahead -- he's certainly a better player than this -- but at this point, Samuel Sr. is untrustable in fantasy. In addition, Miami's tough pass defense has limited fantasy receivers to the second-lowest total in the league. Perhaps Samuel Sr. sees an increase in carries, with the 49ers down to their fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-string running backs due to a deluge of injuries. It might not matter much, though, as he's only averaging 2.7 yards per carry this year with one rushing touchdown, way back in Week 1. He's projected as a WR4 this week, and most Samuel Sr. managers still in the fantasy playoffs probably benched him long ago.

Friday, December 20, 12:25 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made three catches in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Palmer tied for the team lead in targets with six, making his three catches for 41 yards. He also made an incredible catch to score on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Palmer made some solid plays in this game and remains an important part of the Chargers offense on the field, but it just isn't translating to fantasy value. He and the Bolts will face the Patriots on Saturday in Week 17.