Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Malik Nabers

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, 2:57 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee, foot) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie wideout was limited to start the week and end it, but will suit up this weekend. Possibly, the Giants were just giving the 21-year-old some extra rest considering he's dealing with a few lingering issues. Quarterback Drew Lock (heel, elbow) has been cleared as well, so that should increase Nabers' fantasy value. Nabers hauled in 10 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown last week. Fantasy managers can go ahead and plug Nabers in as a WR2 for a plus-matchup against the Falcons secondary.