Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Puka Nacua

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, 9:50 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has missed time this season due to injury. However, he's been a quality wideout when healthy, as expected, catching 61 passes for 805 yards and three touchdowns in nine appearances. Although a few more end zone trips from the 23-year-old would be nice, fantasy managers are happy as long as he stays on the field. With the Rams currently sitting atop the NFC West, the team needs a win against the Jets in Week 16 to enhance their chances of earning a postseason berth. While the Jets defense can be a problem at times, that shouldn't keep Nacua out of any fantasy lineup on Sunday. Keep him starting.