Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Jalen Royals

Thursday, January 8, 4:12 PM

Across 16 games in 2025, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets. The vast majority of Bourne's production came in early October, when he recorded 15 catches for 284 yards on 20 targets across a two-game stretch. The 30-year-old's role in the San Francisco offense faded down the end of the season, as he hauled in just six catches on nine targets over his final seven games played. However, 49ers wideout Ricky Pearsall's (knee, ankle) status for the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is in doubt as he battles a PCL sprain in his knee. If Pearsall is held out, Bourne could see a larger role in the 49ers' passing game. Pending Pearsall's availability, Bourne could be a low-end option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.

Wednesday, October 8, 11:09 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals missed the first two games of the 2025 season with a knee injury. He's been active in each of the team's last three games, but Royals has not yet been targeted by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The 22-year-old appears buried on Kansas City's wide receiver depth chart behind Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Royals could fall down the depth chart even further in Week 7 when top Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is eligible to return from suspension. Royals maintains some appeal in dynasty leagues, but he should remain off the radar of redraft fantasy managers for the time being.