Who Should I Start? Jalen Tolbert or Ricky Pearsall

Monday, January 6, 9:20 AM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert was targeted six times in Sunday's 23-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. The third-year receiver secured four receptions for 98 yards, leading the team in both categories. Tolbert wrapped up the 2024 campaign with career highs across all metrics, as he grabbed 45 receptions for 512 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. The 25-year-old still has a year remaining on his rookie contract and will likely stick around as the Cowboys' WR3 going into 2025.

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.