Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Xavier Hutchinson

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.

Friday, November 21, 9:14 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson was a non-factor during Thursday's Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old was not targeted at all in the passing game. Hutchinson rushed the ball once for nine yards in the win. This is now the second time in the last three games that Hutchinson has been held without a catch. There is certainly some potential here, but Hutchinson clearly isn't part of the weekly gameplan right now. He's someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues due to his potential, but isn't someone that needs to be rostered in redraft leagues.