Who Should I Start? Jameis Winston or Deebo Samuel

Wednesday, October 23, 1:24 PM

The Cleveland Browns will officially start veteran quarterback Jameis Winston in Week 8 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens with Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the year and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) nursing an injury, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. With Watson done for the year, the Browns also signed Bailey Zappe to their active roster, and he could serve as Winston's backup if DTR is inactive on Sunday. Winston has appeared in five games in 2024, completing six of 12 pass attempts for 83 yards and a touchdown, which came in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. The 30-year-old has plenty of NFL experience, but Thompson-Robinson could eventually take over the starting gig if Winston plays poorly. In an offense lacking explosive weapons now that Amari Cooper is out of town, Winston will be a low-end QB2, at best, in fantasy this weekend.

Tuesday, October 22, 6:24 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) was released from the hospital on Tuesday. Samuel hardly played in the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after coming down with a "pneumonia-like" illness. He was revealed to have been admitted to a hospital on Monday with fluid in his lungs. It is a great sign that Samuel has been released from the hospital. Hopefully, he will make a swift recovery for the sake of himself and his family. The 49ers have put no timetable on Samuel's return to the field. They are hurting at wide receiver with the loss of Brandon Aiyuk (knee). Samuel has effectively missed two games in 2024. He has been solid in his five healthy games posting 335 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has added 51 rushing yards and a touchdown as well. Fantasy managers will need to monitor Samuel's progress as the week continues. Given that he is battling an illness, there is no telling how short or long his recovery could be.