Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Tetairoa McMillan

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Deebo Samuel Sr. News

49ers Wanted To Add Deebo Samuel Sr. Before Major Injuries

Saturday, August 8, 4:42 PM

The San Francisco 49ers wanted to sign then-free-agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to a contract before Ricky Pearsall (knee) was ruled out for the season, according to 49ers insider David Lombardi. According to Lombardi, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers planned to sign Deebo and use him as a versatile weapon, as others will need to pick up the slack for Pearsall's Z role. Samuel signed a one-year, seven million contract with the 49ers at the end of July, returning to the team that initially drafted him with the 36th pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Deebo is set to be San Francisco's WR2 behind Mike Evans and will compete with Evans, George Kittle, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Christian Kirk for targets. Samuel is currently ranked 138th overall (WR56) in the latest RotoBaller rankings, which aligns with Yahoo Fantasy ADP of 141, making him a solid pick in the later rounds.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
13.0 0.2 0.0 4.3 64.5 0.4

Tetairoa McMillan News

Tetairoa McMillan's Increased Slot Role Could Fuel Breakout Season

Sunday, August 9, 7:50 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is entering his second NFL season after winning the 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. McMillan hauled in 70 of 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging just over 10 half-PPR fantasy points per game. With head coach Dave Canales expecting to use McMillan more in the slot in 2026, the young receiver could see an increased workload this season. McMillan scored 74% of his fantasy points from the outside last season and would face tougher cornerback matchups and a less diverse route tree if he stayed out wide. His slot role is just noise for now, but it could be the difference between him being a low-end WR2 and a top-10 wideout in 2026.

Deebo Samuel Sr. vs. Tetairoa McMillan

Still trying to decide between Samuel Sr. and McMillan? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Deebo Samuel Sr. is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Tetairoa McMillan is projected to score 13.0 points.