Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Pat Bryant

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.

Sunday, January 25, 5:09 PM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for two yards. It has been a rough two weeks for Bryant, who also left last week's game early due to a concussion. This time around, he reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without Troy Franklin (hamstring) on Sunday. Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Elijah Moore will continue to earn more snaps behind Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. The good news for the Broncos is that, if they advance to the Super Bowl, Bryant will have a full two weeks to recover.