Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Jaylin Noel

Saturday, December 27, 4:41 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has seemingly regained his role as the team's third wide receiver after Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle). Bourne had slipped behind Demarcus Robinson on the depth chart for a few weeks, but the former has outsnapped the latter in both of the 49ers' games coming out of their Week 14 bye. Bourne's involvement has been minimal, even after drawing a start last week while Pearsall was held out due to injuries. Pearsall is questionable for Week 17, as is tight end George Kittle (ankle), who is a game-time decision. Bourne's fantasy value rests on the availability of his teammates. Should both be shelved, then Bourne would have flex appeal against a soft Bears secondary, but if either or both are active, then it is hard to see Bourne eclipsing the five targets he saw last week.

Saturday, November 15, 7:04 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel caught all four of his targets for a total of 35 yards last week against the Jaguars, but his role this week against the Titans remains uncertain. The rookie had at least four catches in three of his four games since the bye week, and he outperformed veteran Christian Kirk last week, while almost matching Kirk's snap share as well. Noel seems to be pushing his way into an expanded role in the Texans' passing game, but with Davis Mills under center in place of C.J. Stroud (concussion) this week, the game plan will likely be run-focused in Tennessee. Noel is only the WR86 in RotoBaller's Week 11 rankings, but his workload is worth monitoring in deep leagues since he could have potential when Stroud returns.