Who Should I Start? Marvin Harrison Jr. or Ricky Pearsall

Thursday, May 1, 1:05 PM

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that "when the staff is in place, the jump from Year 1 to Year 2, I think that's where guys make a huge jump," when referring to second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Gannon said that Harrison "went to work" on his weaknesses this offseason and "looks awesome out there right now." "I'm really excited to see where his game goes." The 22-year-old Ohio State product had very high expectations in his rookie year in the NFL in 2024 after being taken fourth overall by the Cardinals in last year's draft. Even though he had eight touchdowns in 17 games, his 62 receptions (116 targets) and 885 yards were considered a disappointment for fantasy managers that drafted him as a WR1 talent right away. If he can gain more chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray, a 1,000-yard season in Year 2 in 2025 is entirely possible.

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.