Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Emeka Egbuka

Saturday, September 13, 3:22 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling saw zero targets on 15 routes run in Week 1. With George Kittle (hamstring) now on injured reserve and Jauan Jennings (shoulder) tagged as questionable for San Francisco's Week 2 matchup against the Saints, it is possible that Valdes-Scantling plays a bigger role on Sunday. Unfortunately, Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) has been ruled out so it will be Mac Jones under center, limiting Valdes-Scantling's upside even if he does see more playing time. MVS does have the ability to stretch the field but Jones' career completion rate on passes of 20 or more air yards is a mere 30%, effectively negating that threat. If it were Purdy running the show, Valdes-Scantling would have more potential but as it is, he has little viability in Week 2.

Sunday, October 5, 8:17 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka caught all seven of his targets for 163 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The 22-year-old posted the highest reception and yardage totals of his young career, and he also scored his fifth touchdown in as many games. Egbuka has shown that he can handle matchups against opposing defenses' best cornerbacks, and he has established himself as Baker Mayfield's favorite target over players like Chris Godwin and Cade Otton. Egbuka should be deployed as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football going forward. He has achieved must-start status and remains a fantasy staple regardless of his matchup. Look for him to dominate once again next week against the San Francisco 49ers.