Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Jalen Tolbert

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.

Wednesday, May 7, 1:22 PM

With the addition of wide receiver George Pickens via trade on Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys pass-catcher Jalen Tolbert will now operate as the team's No. 3 wideout in 2025 behind CeeDee Lamb and Pickens. Tolbert could also face competition from KaVontae Turpin for the role, but the 26-year-old should have the leg up for the WR3 job after a career year in 2024 in which he set career-highs in catches (49), targets (79), receiving yards (610) and touchdowns (seven) in 17 games (15 starts). Even in what should be a pass-happy Cowboys offense with quarterback Dak Prescott returning from his hamstring injury, Tolbert just won't have enough volume to make him worthy starting on a weekly basis in most fantasy leagues. However, if one of Lamb or Pickens misses time with an injury, Tolbert will be an attractive waiver-wire pickup.