Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Jalen Coker

Saturday, January 4, 9:25 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing will see an uptick in snaps this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals in a road tilt. The rookie has been used sparingly in 2024 -- recording just two receptions and 50 yards in 11 appearances. However, he projects to see an elevated role in the offense with fellow wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, wrist) ruled inactive for the contest. Cowing has managed only 56 snaps in his debut campaign but was productive during his time at college -- breaking out in his third season with UTEP (104.2 YPG) before transferring to Arizona and notching two 85+ catch seasons. With QB Brock Purdy (elbow) set to sit, Joshua Dobbs will man the 49ers helm, so it isn't ideal for the 23-year-old wideout. Still, tight end George Kittle (ankle) is also dealing with an injury and is questionable for the matchup. Cowing could have a busy day in the team's season finale if Kittle sits. Though, he still won't be a recommended option. The former fourth-round pick comes in at RotoBaller's PPR WR87 in this week's rankings.

Saturday, January 4, 12:39 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker has mainly been a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues in his first season in the NFL. He heads into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons with only 25 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets over 10 games played. That has been good enough to make him the WR74 in average half-PPR points per game (6.6), so it's safe to say he wasn't rostered in most standard-sized fantasy leagues in 2024. However, the 23-year-old could make some noise as a WR4/flex sleeper in the final game of the regular season this weekend against a Falcons defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts this year. Although the undrafted rookie had only 35 yards in last weeks loss to the Bucs, he finished second on the team in receiving behind veteran Adam Thielen.