Who Should I Start? Tee Higgins or Ricky Pearsall

Saturday, October 4, 1:55 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football through the early part of the 2025 season. He's managed just 10 receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown on 20 targets, ranking 68th in target share (17.5%), 82nd in receiving yards, and 110th in receptions. Without Joe Burrow at quarterback, Higgins has struggled to command a consistent role in an offense that looks far less dynamic than it did in 2024. In Week 5, Higgins faces the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the 13th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Detroit's defense has been steady, though they were exposed in Week 2 by Bears' WR Rome Odunze, who torched them for 100+ yards and two scores. Still, Higgins' involvement has been too shaky to trust. Given his lack of volume and inconsistent production, Higgins is a very risky play in Week 5.

Monday, October 6, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) wasn't spotted at Monday's practice, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. Although the 49ers didn't hold an official practice on Monday, it's not a great sign that Pearsall isn't on the field after he was inactive for last Thursday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams due to a minor PCL injury that he suffered in Week 4. Both Pearsall and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) did not play last Thursday, allowing Kendrick Bourne to go off for 10 catches and over 100 yards. Jennings was on the field on Monday, though, signaling that Jennings might be closer than Pearsall in terms of being available in Week 6 to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the 25-year-old Pearsall doesn't return to the team's first practice on Wednesday, he'll be on track to miss a second straight game.