Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Friday, December 5, 12:50 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 14, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Evans returned to practice this week for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7, but he's just not ready yet. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer could be ready to go next Thursday night against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, though, depending on how much progress he can make early next week in practice. The Bucs could ease Evans back into the fold when he's ready, but he absolutely needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues for his ability to help carry teams in the fantasy playoffs, which start in most leagues next week. With Evans and Jalen McMillan (neck) out another week, Tampa will move forward with Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka as their top wideouts, with Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson battling for WR3 duties.

Saturday, December 6, 9:32 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is coming off back-to-back games with at least five receptions and 60 or more receiving yards for the first time since Weeks 4 and 5. Samuel was managing a heel injury right around his season-best performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the next four games, the former San Francisco 49er totaled just 16 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets while adding three carries for three yards. The return of Terry McLaurin in Week 13 against the Broncos took away some targets from Samuel, but his presence also helps Samuel by allowing him to work underneath while McLaurin stretches the defense vertically. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will also be back on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, so Washington's offense will look pretty close to whole. The Vikings have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game and the seventh-fewest passing touchdowns this season, placing Samuel in WR3/flex territory for fantasy football in Week 14.