Who Should I Start? Jaylen Waddle or Ricky Pearsall

Sunday, January 4, 3:46 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ribs) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. This Quinn Ewers-led offense finds itself incredibly short-handed with Waddle, De'Von Achane (shoulder), Darren Waller (groin, IR), and Tyreek Hill (knee, IR) all sidelined. Malik Washington, Cedrick Wilson, and late-season breakout Theo Wease Jr. should step up as Ewers' top targets in the passing game on Sunday. Those receivers will look to outduel a Patriots defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest yards to opposing wide receivers in 2025.

Saturday, January 17, 6:53 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) is officially active for Saturday's Divisional Round contest against the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. Pearsall returns to action following a two-game absence. Injuries bothered him throughout most of the regular season, limiting him to just 36 catches, 528 yards, and zero touchdowns through nine games. His return comes at a perfect time for the Niners, who were in need of pass-catching reinforcements after losing George Kittle (Achilles) for the rest of the playoffs. Pearsall will step up as the No. 2 receiver alongside Jauan Jennings against Seattle. The last time he faced the Seahawks, back in Week 1, Pearsall caught four passes for 108 yards.