Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Monday, September 8, 12:18 PM

Cleveland Browns veteran quarterback Joe Flacco nearly pulled off the upset of the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday. In the 17-16 loss, Flacco went 31-for-45 for 290 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked twice for a loss of 12 yards and carried the ball twice for just six yards. The 40-year-old is really only useable in two-QB superflex leagues in fantasy, but the Browns offense could continue to air it out with rookie second-round running back Quinshon Judkins away from the team after an offseason legal matter that delayed his signing until just this past weekend. Flacco's lone touchdown toss of the game went to receiver Cedric Tillman in the third quarter. His options are limited, and the interceptions won't be going away.

Tuesday, September 9, 3:09 PM

After watching how the Washington Commanders used new wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants, The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that it's clear the team wants him to "be everywhere" and to "do everything." Samuel played 54 offensive snaps and caught seven of a team-high 10 targets for 77 yards. Most of his snaps (74.5%) and targets (six) cam from the slot, but the 29-year-old also lined up out wide and in the backfield. He had a 19-yard rushing touchdown and was used on three WR screens. With the 49ers, Samuel was a deep target around only eight times per year. But in Week 1 on Sunday he was targeted deep twice. He was also Washington's lead returner on kickoffs. It's no secret now that the Commanders plan to use Samuel a lot, and in all situations. It will leave him more vulnerable to injury, but it will also rejuvenate his fantasy appeal.