Who Should I Start? Rashee Rice or Puka Nacua


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
13.7 1.8 0.0 5.2 59.2 0.4

Rashee Rice News

How Concerned Should Fantasy Managers Be About Rashee Rice?

Friday, September 4, 6:11 PM

After an encouraging rookie season in 2023, injuries and off-field issues have limited Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice to just 12 games over the last two seasons. After serving a six-game suspension to begin 2025, Rice recorded 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns on 78 targets across eight games. However, Rice finished the year on Injured Reserve due to a concussion. He hasn't exactly had the greatest offseason leading into 2026, as he spent time in jail due to a failed drug test and also underwent knee surgery. If Rice can stay on the field in 2026, he carries top-12 fantasy wide receiver upside in PPR-scoring formats. However, Rice's persistent injury concerns and the ever-present risk posed by his off-field issues make him an extremely risky selection for fantasy managers.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.5 4.5 0.1 7.2 93.8 0.5

Puka Nacua News

Puka Nacua "Making Good Progress"

Saturday, September 5, 8:24 AM

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Friday that wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is "making good progress," according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "Been hitting some high-speed yards at a really good clip with Reggie [Scott] and his group," McVay said. "And when we get back out there, it'll be fun to have him." The 25-year-old has been dealing with a psoas injury in his groin, and although his status for the Week 1 game in Australia against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers is up in the air, it looks like Nacua is heading in the right direction and should be active to kick off the regular season. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of Nacua's Week 1 status when the Rams begin to release their official practice reports on Monday. Nacua's groin injury should not cause fantasy managers to avoid him as a top-tier wideout in the first rounds of drafts this weekend. The two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro last year had a career-high 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games last year, leading the NFL with 129 receptions. In a Rams offense that is as explosive as any, Nacua is RotoBaller's No. 2 fantasy wideout, behind only Ja'Marr Chase.


Rashee Rice vs. Puka Nacua

Still trying to decide between Rice and Nacua? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Rashee Rice is projected to score 13.7 points this week while Puka Nacua is projected to score 20.5 points.