Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Christian Watson

Friday, January 9, 9:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards (14.89 YPC) and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in 16 games in 2025. The majority of Bourne's production came in early October, when he stepped in as the team's main pass-catcher, with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) all ruled out for a brief time. Bourne's role faded as the team continued to get healthy; however, should Pearsall miss Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Bourne could find himself playing more often and would likely be elevated to the team's No. 2 wide receiver alongside Jennings. Additionally, according to Novig, the Niners are underdogs (+4.5) and should be in a game flow that favors a pass-happy approach, which would result in more target opportunities for Bourne should he get more playing time. Demarcus Robinson would likely be operating more in three-wide receiver sets. Pending Pearsall's availability, Bourne would be a bit of a dart throw in fantasy playoff leagues, but would be worth a roster as a long-shot option.

Saturday, January 10, 3:08 PM

Before being rested for the season finale, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had emerged as the team's most dangerous downfield threat, averaging 65.6 yards and almost a touchdown per game across his last five outings. Against a Chicago defense that has allowed more than five fantasy points above expectation to the position, he is in line for a solid performance in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup. The Bears allowed 300+ passing yards in each of their final two regular-season games, and with quarterback Jordan Love now clear of the league's concussion protocol, Green Bay's offense could find more success than it did in a Week 16 loss to Chicago that saw Malik Willis handling primary duties under center. Watson is RotoBaller's WR12 for the opening round of the playoffs.