Who Should I Start? Rashee Rice or Ricky Pearsall

Friday, December 12, 4:35 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was held in check by the Houston Texans in last week's loss. The Chiefs WR1 caught four passes for 34 yards, finishing third on the team in receiving yardage. Despite his lackluster performance, Rice still finished with a team-high eight targets, demonstrating the team's determination to keep him involved. The 26-year-old may once again struggle to find success this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making them one of the most difficult matchups at the position. Rice has been the team's focal point on offense since his return, so he should continue to be heavily involved despite the matchup. Rice was also listed on the injury report with a hamstring injury this week, but was a full participant in every practice and does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end WR1 option again this week despite his recent struggles.

Monday, December 15, 5:40 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) aggravated his PCL injury in the Week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and also sprained his ankle, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he's unsure if Pearsall will practice this week as the team prepares to face the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night in Week 16. The 25-year-old former first-rounder will have an extra day to recover this week, but based on the fact that he missed six games earlier this year after spraining his PCL initially in Week 4, it seems highly unlikely that Pearsall will be cleared to play on Monday. It's really bad timing for Pearsall and his fantasy managers, as he caught six of seven targets for 96 yards in the win over the Titans on Sunday while battling through his knee injury and a low-ankle sprain. If Pearsall misses additional time, Kendrick Bourne could be on the flex radar again in deeper fantasy leagues behind Jauan Jennings.