Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Puka Nacua

Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the plan is to bring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. back for the 2025 season. After signing receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to a hefty extension before the start of the 2024 season, it was assumed that the Niners would likely move on from Samuel heading into 2025 given his significant salary-cap hit. In addition to the decision regarding the future of Samuel, who missed the Week 18 regular-season finale due to rib and wrist injuries, the 49ers will also be navigating a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Niners change their mind on the 28-year-old Samuel, he could be a trade candidate with one year left on his deal. In 15 games in 2024, he had 51 catches for 670 yards and only three touchdowns despite Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) missing significant time with injuries.

Sunday, January 19, 9:08 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was heavily involved in the Rams' 28-22 loss to the Eagles. He was targeted a team-high 14 times and finished with six catches for 97 yards, including an acrobatic, sliding catch in the snow that will be part of his highlight reel for seasons to come. That catch kept the Rams potential game-winning drive alive, but they came up short in the red zone with under one minute left. Nacua established himself as one of the best fantasy receivers in the game after returning from his early season knee injury. He clearly became the go-to option in the Rams passing game and will be one of the top fantasy receivers going into next season.