Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Darnell Mooney

Wednesday, December 24, 9:54 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been held under 50 yards in three straight games and hasn't found the end zone since Week 11. Samuel has exceeded 50 receiving yards only twice over the past nine games. The former San Francisco 49er draws a potential get-right spot on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled to defend the pass. Dallas has allowed the most passing yards per game and the most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season. Washington's pass-catchers could take a hit for fantasy with quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play after missing consecutive practices to begin the week, opening the door for journeyman Josh Johnson to make his first start since 2021. Samuel currently ranks as RotoBaller's WR29 in PPR leagues in Week 17.

Saturday, December 27, 5:27 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney recorded just two catches for 24 yards in Week 16, continuing a trend of disappointing performances that has persisted throughout the season. The 28-year-old has caught two or fewer passes in eight of the 13 games he's played this season, and has struggled to gain targets behind Drake London (knee), Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee), and Bijan Robinson. London heads into Week 17's home matchup against the Rams with a questionable designation, however, it would likely be more of a benefit to Kyle Pitts Sr. and David Sills V's target total if Atlanta's No. 1 receiver were to miss the game, not Mooney's. The veteran wideout is a risky play even in what appears to be a good matchup on paper, with Los Angeles allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers on the season and 277.7 yards passing over the last three weeks (second most in the NFL).