Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Justin Jefferson

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.

Friday, January 2, 10:12 AM

Through 16 games, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has had the least productive season of his career. The 26-year-old has recorded 76 receptions for 947 yards and two touchdowns on 130 targets. Inconsistent quarterback play in Minnesota has been the biggest problem for Jefferson in 2025. The Vikings may get QB1 J.J. McCarthy (hand) back from the hand injury that sidelined him in Week 17 for their Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. However, Jefferson has recorded just 19 catches for 227 yards and zero touchdowns across McCarthy's last five starts. While Jefferson remains one of the most talented pass-catchers in the NFL, the offensive environment around him in Minnesota this season makes it difficult to trust him for consistent production. Jefferson profiles as a WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 18.