Who Should I Start? Malik Nabers or Ricky Pearsall

Sunday, January 5, 6:46 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had five catches for 64 yards in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. He also found the end zone, bringing in a 45-yard toss from Drew Lock in the fourth quarter. The Giants are done until September. However, fantasy managers were likely satisfied with Nabers' overall statistical contributions, with the wideout ending his inaugural year by amassing 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Without question, Nabers will see plenty of attention from fantasy managers heading into next season, although his outlook could improve even more if the Giants land a capable signal-caller during the offseason.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.