Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Xavier Hutchinson

Tuesday, October 7, 11:47 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne saw his utilization surge in the absence of Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) during Week 5. Bourne was tied with tight end Jake Tonges for 11 targets and led the team with 10 receptions and 142 receiving yards. On Monday, Pearsall was not seen at the team's first practice of the week. Jennings was reportedly suited up and carrying his helmet. Their availability for the 49ers' Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers will become clearer after the team's first official practice and injury report on Wednesday. Following his explosive performance last Thursday and with his teammates' status murky, Bourne will likely be a popular waiver wire add going into Week 6.

Saturday, October 4, 11:56 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson continues to be the most involved receiver on the outside across the field from Nico Collins, with Christian Kirk playing in the slot. He hasn't had much production in the Texans' ineffective passing game, but he's getting enough work to be worth monitoring coming into this week's matchup with the Ravens, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Hutchinson played 68% of the team's snaps in Week 4, ahead of both rookie Jayden Higgins (44%) and rookie Jaylin Noel (24%). Hutchinson also had three targets, converting two into catches for 17 yards, while Higgins and Noel only had one target each. Higgins made the most of his catch with a touchdown, but it still looks like Hutchinson is ahead of him on the depth chart. Even with his bigger role and good matchup, Hutchinson is only the WR74 in the RotoBaller rankings, so he is best left on the bench or waiver wires until something changes.