Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Ricky Pearsall

Friday, October 18, 12:14 AM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams went off in the team's 33-10 blowout victory over the hosting New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, carrying the ball 14 times for a season-high 88 yards and his first two touchdowns of the year. He also caught all three of his targets for 23 yards. His first score was an eight-yard scamper in which he went untouched to the end zone. The 24-year-old had just one game of double-digit fantasy points coming into this one, but after his first career two-touchdown game, it's clear he's still the unquestioned lead back in Denver. Williams and the Broncos took care of business against a Saints defense that played uninspired football, and after this big game, fantasy managers will surely consider Williams for a starting lineup spot in another plus-plus matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8.

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.