Who Should I Start? Demarcus Robinson or Ricky Pearsall

Saturday, February 8, 2:04 PM

According to Sara Barshop of ESPN.com, free-agent wide receiver Demarcus Robinson could return to the Rams for the 2025 season. Barshop noted that Robinson would provide the Rams with a depth option in the wide receiver room that is familiar with the playbook. In addition, with the team exploring potential trade partners for Cooper Kupp, Robinson would be a stable option in their starting lineup. This past season, Robinson found the back of the end zone seven times, which set a career-high. He caught 31 passes for 505 yards. While the 30-year-old opened the season as the No. 3 option behind Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, both wideouts missed during the season, which opened up targets for Robinson for several weeks. If Robinson re-signs in Los Angeles, fantasy managers should expect him to return to a similar role and be a viable option in deeper formats.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.