Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Ricky Pearsall

Friday, November 22, 7:14 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has been a low-end flex option throughout most of the season. He checks in as such in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, but it comes with a lot of risk. Lockett's usage out of the Seahawks' Week 10 bye was puzzling and could be prescriptive for the rest of the season. Lockett was clearly operating as the Seahawks' No. 3 wide receiver in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. In his last three games played, Lockett has only averaged 3.3 targets per game after averaging 6.6 targets per game over his first seven games. The emergence of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a preferred target for quarterback Geno Smith is eating significantly into Lockett's volume. With the Seahawks switching to a less pass-heavy attack after the bye week, there may not be enough targets to go around for the Seahawks' top three wide receivers. With six teams on a bye this week, Lockett is still a risky flex play.

Saturday, November 23, 2:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall faces a tough road matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. Last week Pearsall turned in a donut, failing to catch either of two targets in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It was particularly disappointing though, since the game before in Tampa saw Pearsall catch his first touchdown en route to a six-target, four-catch, 73-yard performance. Even if Pearsall's ceiling is enticing, last week made it clear what his floor is. To make matters worse, San Francisco will be without its starting quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), and possibly left tackle Trent Williams, who is questionable with an ankle issue. Backup Brandon Allen may well be up to the task of running the Niners' offense, but the risk is prohibitive for a player like Pearsall in fantasy. The rook is a low-end WR4 at best, with only deep-league managers considering a dart throw.