Who Should I Start? Mark Andrews or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Friday, September 5, 10:43 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was the target of a lot of hatred and criticism the last time he took on the Buffalo Bills. His last-minute drop sealed their fate in the playoffs, then he had to hear his name in constant trade rumors. Despite the playoff miscue and a few goose eggs throughout the regular season, Andrews finished as the TE5 on the year with 55 receptions for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns on 69 targets. While the double-digit touchdown mark will be hard to hit again, Andrews has scored at least six times in five of his seven years. With Isaiah Likely (foot) ruled out for Week 1, Andrews' value gets a bit of a boost as well. He should be considered a mid-level TE1 for this matchup.

Tuesday, September 9, 3:09 PM

After watching how the Washington Commanders used new wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants, The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that it's clear the team wants him to "be everywhere" and to "do everything." Samuel played 54 offensive snaps and caught seven of a team-high 10 targets for 77 yards. Most of his snaps (74.5%) and targets (six) cam from the slot, but the 29-year-old also lined up out wide and in the backfield. He had a 19-yard rushing touchdown and was used on three WR screens. With the 49ers, Samuel was a deep target around only eight times per year. But in Week 1 on Sunday he was targeted deep twice. He was also Washington's lead returner on kickoffs. It's no secret now that the Commanders plan to use Samuel a lot, and in all situations. It will leave him more vulnerable to injury, but it will also rejuvenate his fantasy appeal.