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

Friday, August 15, 12:59 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans impressed during Thursday's joint practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Evans won a red-zone battle against cornerback Jalen Ramsey for a two-point conversion, then capped the day by hauling in a touchdown from Baker Mayfield during a two-minute drill. After posting a "down year" in 2024 with 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns, Evans looks determined to return to elite form in 2025. The veteran remains one of the NFL's most reliable end-zone threats, and fantasy managers should consider him a steady WR2 with WR1 upside heading into draft season.

Tuesday, August 12, 2:15 PM

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and quarterback Jayden Daniels have developed a strong chemistry, which has been a "product of their reps before practices, conversations between seriess and budding friendship off the field." Samuel has been the "primary bright spot amid growing concern about the Commanders' receiving corps." The 29-year-old has taken advantage with Terry McLaurin holding out and Noah Brown dealing with injuries. Jhabvala writes that Samuel appears to be motivated by a fresh start and a soon-to-be-expiring contract after a disappointing final season in San Francisco. Samuel has dropped some weight and appears to be in much better shape in 2025 as well. If he stays healthy, Samuel could bounce back and be a nice value pick in fantasy drafts as a WR3/flex in an up-tempo offense.