Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Puka Nacua

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.

Wednesday, January 7, 2:13 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua finished the 2025 season as the WR1 in full-PPR formats, and he should be viewed through a similar lens in all fantasy playoff leagues. Nacua is RotoBaller's WR1 for Wild Card Weekend, and with the Rams sitting as a double-digit favorite over the Panthers, he's as safe a bet as any to see multiple starting opportunities in leagues with cumulative scoring. Carolina has been a top-8 fantasy defense in terms of limiting opposing wide receivers, but Nacua has faced two other top-8 defenses over the past three weeks in the Seahawks and Cardinals, totaling 22 receptions, 301 yards, and three touchdowns across those two games. With Davante Adams also trending in the right direction, Nacua should face softer coverages while staying right in line for a target share north of 30 percent.