Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Brian Thomas Jr.

Thursday, December 18, 7:05 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been productive in his first season with the team, averaging 5.0 receptions for 46.5 receiving yards on 6.6 targets per game to go with six total touchdowns across 13 contests. The veteran started off the season as the engine of Washington's offense, clearing 80 yards from scrimmage in three of the first five games of the season. In eight games since, Samuel has failed to reach that mark. The former San Francisco 49ers wideout has hauled in 12 of 18 targets for 134 yards in three games since the team's WR1, Terry McLaurin, returned. He'll be looking for a vintage performance on Saturday against the Eagles, whom he's enjoyed facing in the past. Samuel totalled 138 yards and three touchdowns in his most recent game against Philadelphia in Week 13 of the 2023 season. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR34 in PPR leagues in Week 16.

Thursday, December 18, 9:18 AM

Though this has been an undoubtedly frustrating season for Brian Thomas Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver is coming off back-to-back solid performances as his team has ascended to the top of the AFC South. The second-year player, ranked as the No. 44 overall PPR receiver, is certainly in the conversation for the biggest fantasy disappointment of the season relative to draft position. However, managers who weathered modest outputs and an injury may have a light at the end of the tunnel, as Thomas has looked more like his rookie self with 13 targets, 7 catches, 153 yards, and a touchdown during the past two weeks. The Jags have a tough Week 16 matchup against a Denver Broncos defense that ranks ninth against PPR receivers, but Jacksonville and quarterback Trevor Lawrence are on such a hot streak that Thomas should carry WR3/flex consideration for managers deep in the playoffs.