Who Should I Start? Drake Maye or Ricky Pearsall

Sunday, October 20, 6:31 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 26 of 37 passes for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers during Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He also rushed for 18 yards and two sacks. The rookie No. 3 overall pick has looked impressive through his first two starts, tallying 519 passing yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and one lost fumble during that span. With that said, matchups with the Texans and Jaguars haven't exactly pitted him against dominant defenses. The 22-year-old will get a more true test next week against the New York Jets, especially with pass rusher Haason Reddick set to make his 2024 debut. Maye ranks as a mid-range fantasy QB2 going forward.

Monday, October 21, 12:12 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made his NFL debut in a 28-18 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. The Arizona native came into the game as the assumed third option for quarterback Brock Purdy with Jauan Jennings (hip) ruled out, but inherited even more snaps after Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel (illness) left during the game. Pearsall missed the first six weeks of the season due to a gunshot wound and received a standing ovation from the home crowd after his first catch. He finished with three receptions on five targets for 21 yards. If Aiyuk has torn his ACL as feared, Pearsall will be worth a look on waivers, although the situation is muddied by the probable return of Jennings in Week 8, not to mention fellow rookie Jacob Cowing having a few games more experience and a more impactful performance today. Pearsall is the better bet long-term though, as San Francisco waited until the fourth round to take Cowing after taking Pearsall in the first. The 49ers get the Dallas Cowboys at home on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.