Who Should I Start? Rashee Rice or Puka Nacua

Tuesday, October 8, 6:11 PM

After having surgery to fix his right LCL on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is expected to be out for four months, according to multiple sources. It was a best-case scenario for Rice, who will miss the rest of the 2024 season, but the good news is he's expected to make a full recovery. In addition to his knee, Rice also had a hamstring tendon repaired on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks for the 24-year-old during his rehab, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season next fall. With receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) already out for the year and running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, the Chiefs have lost their best playmakers outside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can obviously drop Rice at this time and look for a replacement.

Monday, January 13, 11:48 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught five of his nine targets for 44 yards during Monday's Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also added a seven-yard rush. Nacua did lead the team in targets and tied for the most receptions, but his production was somewhat modest relative to some of his recent games. For context, he hadn't finished with fewer than 50 receiving yards in a single game since Week 9. Amidst his slightly less explosive showing on Monday night, Nacua still managed to show that he is Matthew Stafford's preferred option in the passing game. Not only did he fetch a team-most nine targets, but he was also far more involved than Cooper Kupp, who once again struggled to the tune of one catch for 29 yards through the air. Moving forward, Nacua is the top fantasy option in Los Angeles and an intriguing play ahead of next week's battle with the Philadelphia Eagles.