Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Nico Collins

Friday, September 20, 6:07 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has officially been ruled out for the Week 3 game this Sunday versus the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on the road. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after Samuel was unable to practice all week after suffering a calf injury in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old is expected to miss multiple weeks, so fantasy managers can't assume that he'll be back for a Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on Injured Reserve, and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is doubtful to play this weekend, which leaves Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings as the Niners' top two pass-catchers. Without CMC, Samuel and Kittle, fantasy managers need to be downgrading quarterback Brock Purdy to QB2 territory against LA.

Friday, September 20, 3:49 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hip, foot) put in a full practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report for Week 3. Collins' status was up in the air earlier this week after he did not participate in Wednesday's practice before being upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday. The 25-year-old is a must-start in all fantasy lineups heading into a Week 3 showdown against the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings. After two weeks of the 2024 season, Collins leads all NFL wideouts with 252 receiving yards on 14 catches (18 targets) while also finding the end zone once. Minnesota's defense has been in the middle of the pack so far in terms of defending the receiver position early this year. The Texans could rely on their passing game more this weekend with running back Joe Mixon (ankle) doubtful and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) ruled out for the second straight week.