Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Ricky Pearsall

Thursday, December 18, 7:05 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been productive in his first season with the team, averaging 5.0 receptions for 46.5 receiving yards on 6.6 targets per game to go with six total touchdowns across 13 contests. The veteran started off the season as the engine of Washington's offense, clearing 80 yards from scrimmage in three of the first five games of the season. In eight games since, Samuel has failed to reach that mark. The former San Francisco 49ers wideout has hauled in 12 of 18 targets for 134 yards in three games since the team's WR1, Terry McLaurin, returned. He'll be looking for a vintage performance on Saturday against the Eagles, whom he's enjoyed facing in the past. Samuel totalled 138 yards and three touchdowns in his most recent game against Philadelphia in Week 13 of the 2023 season. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR34 in PPR leagues in Week 16.

Saturday, December 20, 6:17 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Pearsall was unable to practice all week due to knee and ankle injuries he suffered during last week's win over the Tennessee Titans. He'll miss at least one game, but will hopefully return for the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The absence of Pearsall should mean larger roles for Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Demarcus Robinson. Out of the three, Jennings is the only consistent fantasy option heading into the Monday Night matchup versus the Colts.