Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Jack Bech

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.

Sunday, December 28, 2:50 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (back) is inactive for his team's Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants due to a back injury. The 23-year-old rookie has recorded 20 catches for 224 yards on 27 targets across 15 games in 2025. Las Vegas placed star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) on Injured Reserve earlier this week, so the team is running out of capable pass catchers. With Bech sidelined, Raiders wideouts Tre Tucker and Tyler Lockett figure to lead the team in wide receiver snaps against New York. Wideouts Dont'e Thornton Jr., Alex Bachman, and Shedrick Jackson could all see an uptick in playing time as well.