Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Jacob Cowing

Monday, November 4, 10:45 AM

After leading the team in receiving in the Week 8 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin was barely heard from in the 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, catching one of his four targets for a 19-yard pickup. He has had more opportunities in the Broncos' passing attack since Josh Reynolds (finger) landed on Injured Reserve, but it's led to only nine receptions on 15 targets for 106 yards and a touchdowns in four games. Rookie QB Bo Nix has spread the ball around quite effectively in recent weeks, and it's clear that it's impossible to trust any receiver beyond Courtland Sutton in fantasy in this offense. The 21-year-old Franklin has a 14-135-1 line in his first eight NFL games and won't be a recommended fantasy play in Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on the road.

Saturday, October 26, 3:43 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie Jacob Cowing should see some involvement at wide receiver when the team hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The fourth-rounder spent the first weeks of the season on the active roster returning punts before seeing his first career offensive action in Week 7. He delivered two catches on three targets for 50 yards against Kansas City, which led all 49ers receivers with Jauan Jennings (hip) out, and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness/wrist) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) leaving the game early. Cowing's fantasy value this week hinges on the health of Samuel Sr. and George Kittle (foot). If both play, Cowing is a touchdown-dependent shot in the dark and not recommended in standard leagues. But if both miss, he becomes the second in line for targets behind fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall, with 2023 seventh-round pick Ronnie Bell and journeyman Chris Conley in the mix. WR-desperate fantasy managers in deeper leagues are advised to keep an eye out and consider Cowing if the 49ers get more bad injury news this weekend.