Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Nico Collins

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.

Saturday, December 21, 4:21 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins had a solid but not overwhelming performance at Kansas City, finishing the day with seven catches for 60 yards and no touchdowns in the 27-19 defeat. Houston's top receiver led the team with 10 targets, though Kansas City ultimately was able to limit his damage. Perhaps most important for fantasy managers who advance in the fantasy playoffs this week, fellow Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) had to be carted off with what appeared to be a serious injury. If Dell is indeed out, Collins could command a massive target share with Houston due to take on a struggling Baltimore Ravens pass defense on Christmas Day.