Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Marquise Brown

Sunday, October 5, 10:46 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. stayed heavily involved in the team's offense with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) missing a second straight game on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. Samuel led the team in targets (11), receptions (eight), and receiving yards (96) while catching his third touchdown of the season in the 27-10 victory in Week 5 in quarterback Jayden Daniels' return from a knee sprain. The 29-year-old has had a nice bounce-back season in 2025 so far in his first year in Washington while being the team's most consistent pass-catcher. Through the first five weeks, Samuel has 346 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. As long as he can stay healthy, Samuel should continue to be a must-start in fantasy lineups, even when McLaurin returns from his quad injury. Samuel will have quite a bit of upside in Week 6 on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, especially if McLaurin misses a third game.

Saturday, October 4, 11:30 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown was on the injury report with an ankle injury, but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation for Monday night. Brown will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The 28-year-old had a solid game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, catching three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Brown took an expected step back with the return of Xavier Worthy, and this decreased usage should continue against the Jaguars. The Jacksonville defense is middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, and Kansas City is second in pass rate over expectation, so the passing volume should be there for Brown to be productive. Brown is ranked WR42 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deeper league flex option this week.