Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Van Jefferson

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, December 28, 5:19 PM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (forearm) has already been ruled out for Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to interim head coach Mike McCoy. His season is over. Jefferson picked up the injury during the second quarter of Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. At the time of his departure, he led the team with three catches for 46 yards on three targets. After the game, McCoy was quick to rule out Jefferson for the last week of the season. While not a top fantasy threat, Jefferson had recently taken on a larger role after Calvin Ridley (leg) landed on injured reserve. Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Mason Kinsey will operate as the Titans' top receivers against a Jaguars secondary that has been playing at a high level lately.