Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Jaylin Noel

Saturday, October 25, 6:01 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne will likely be in the team's starting lineup for Week 8 with Ricky Pearsall (knee) declared out. With Pearsall out in Weeks 5 and 6, Bourne exploded for 142 receiving yards in both games. His production cratered in Week 7, however, to two catches for 14 yards on two targets, while Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) earned seven. An increasingly healthy Jennings could remain a focal point on offense, and George Kittle's target share will assuredly grow after being used almost exclusively as a blocker in his return from injured reserve last week. Bourne's rapport with Mac Jones (knee, oblique), who will start again in Week 8, may be for naught with the increasing number of mouths to feed. Bourne projects as a borderline WR3/4 and will be a tough start against a Houston defense that ranks fourth in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers.

Monday, October 27, 10:42 AM

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been a breakout player in recent weeks, recording 11 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets over his last three games played. Noel has benefited from the absence of veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring), who has missed Houston's last two contests. If there's reason for concern with Noel, it's that he's yet to crack 45% of his team's offensive snaps this season, even in the games that Kirk has missed. He appears to be limited to working from the slot, which limits his playing time ceiling. Noel is a young player with upside, so he's definitely a name to monitor in deeper fantasy leagues. Still, it may be difficult for him to maintain his production in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, particularly if one or both of Kirk and Nico Collins (concussion) return to the field.