Who Should I Start? DK Metcalf or Ricky Pearsall

Tuesday, November 11, 9:44 PM

Over the past two weeks combined, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has scored just 6.6 half-PPR fantasy points. While there are reasons to be optimistic about the Steelers' offense against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, this matchup doesn't project to be a great one for Metcalf specifically. Cincinnati has surrendered six receiving touchdowns to opposing wideouts, and only one of them went to a clear WR1. In Metcalf's Week 7 meeting with the Bengals, he managed just three receptions for 50 yards. Because Metcalf has not exceeded five receptions in any contest this season, fantasy managers can't rely on volume when deciding whether to start him. The 27-year-old will probably need to hit pay dirt to provide value as a low-end WR2 or flex option this week.

Thursday, November 13, 6:56 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Thursday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) will return on Sunday to face the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, according to KNBR. Pearsall finally returned to practice this week after spraining the PCL in his knee way back in Week 4, and he'll be back on the field this weekend as the Niners look to sweep the season series against Arizona. In addition to Pearsall, quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) will be back. Both players have been sidelined since Week 4. The banged-up 49ers are getting closer to full health on offense. Pearsall, a first-rounder in 2024, caught 20 of his 29 targets for 327 yards and no touchdowns in four games this year before injuring his knee. He will definitely be a starter in three-wide sets now that he's back, but he may be eased back into the offense, making him a shaky fantasy play in his first game back this weekend.