Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Saturday, December 27, 9:26 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (wrist) was a full participant in every practice this week and does not carry an injury designation heading into his Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants. After seeing a season-high 76% snap share in Week 15, the veteran pass catcher only played 26% of snaps and ran just 31% of the Raiders' routes in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. This is the first time Lockett saw less than 30% of the team's snaps since Week 7 and the third time all season. With tight end Brock Bowers (knee) going on IR before Week 17, quarterback Geno Smith almost certainly will have to redistribute these targets, benefitting his other pass catchers. Wide receiver Tre Tucker is the most likely beneficiary of this redistribution, but with rookie receiver Jack Bech (back) at risk of missing Week 17 due to a late-week injury, Lockett could easily slide into the WR2 role. Lockett gets a slight bump due to the very favorable matchup against the Giants' paltry pass defense in Week 17 and injuries to his fellow pass catchers, but remains a low-end WR4/Flex in deep leagues.

Wednesday, December 24, 9:54 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been held under 50 yards in three straight games and hasn't found the end zone since Week 11. Samuel has exceeded 50 receiving yards only twice over the past nine games. The former San Francisco 49er draws a potential get-right spot on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled to defend the pass. Dallas has allowed the most passing yards per game and the most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season. Washington's pass-catchers could take a hit for fantasy with quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play after missing consecutive practices to begin the week, opening the door for journeyman Josh Johnson to make his first start since 2021. Samuel currently ranks as RotoBaller's WR29 in PPR leagues in Week 17.