After months of waiting, we are mere days away from the first week of the 2025 NFL season. Your first fantasy football matchup of the year is about to kick off, which means there are already some decisions to make.
San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall’s name has been a popular query in PFSN’s Start/Sit Optimizer. Should fantasy managers start the second-year pass catcher against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1?
Overcoming Adversity with a Strong Preseason Showing
Ricky Pearsall’s rookie season was derailed before it began when he was shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt on August 31, 2024, missing the first six games. Upon returning, he showed flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency, including a standout 141-yard performance against Detroit in Week 17.
This offseason has been different, though. NBC Sports reports that Pearsall “could be best positioned for a breakout season in 2025” after working extensively with QB Brock Purdy during the offseason to build chemistry that was missing during his shortened rookie campaign.
Ricky Pearsall
One drive. 3 catches. 42 yards.
Sitting down on the second target – rather than continuing with the same path as the tracking LB – is good stuff pic.twitter.com/qMz3sPssLv
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 17, 2025
The 49ers targeted Pearsall immediately in their first preseason game, with Purdy’s first pass of 2025 going to the second-year receiver for a seven-yard gain against the Raiders. His strong camp performance has positioned him as the clear WR1 on the depth chart.
Depleted Wide Receiver Corps Creates Opportunity
Pearsall enters Week 1 with a golden opportunity due to injuries throughout San Francisco’s receiving corps. Brandon Aiyuk will miss at least the first four games on the PUP list as he recovers from torn ACL and MCL injuries suffered in Week 7 last season.
Jauan Jennings’ status remains cloudy after suffering a calf injury on July 27. Lynch is “hopeful but not sure about Week 1” for Jennings, who hasn’t practiced since late July. The situation is complicated by Jennings’ contract dispute and trade request, though Lynch dismissed moving him.
With Demarcus Robinson suspended three games for substance abuse violations, Pearsall could realistically open as the 49ers’ WR1 alongside TE George Kittle as the primary passing targets.
Favorable Matchup Against Seattle Defense
The Seahawks’ defense was vulnerable against wide receivers in 2024, allowing an average of 33.9 fantasy points per game to the position. Seattle surrendered 142.6 receiving yards per game to WRs, including multiple big performances from 49ers receivers in their two matchups last season (23 and 17 fantasy points, respectively).
RELATED: 49ers Fantasy Surprise — Why Ricky Pearsall, Not Jauan Jennings, Is the Receiver to Target in 2025
The 49ers will travel to Seattle for a division rivalry game that typically features competitive scoring. With Sam Darnold now under center for the Seahawks, both teams project to move the ball effectively, creating a game script that should favor passing volume for San Francisco’s aerial attack.
Risk Factors and Volume Concerns
The primary concern with Pearsall is the target competition from elite weapons like RB Christian McCaffrey and Kittle. The 49ers could lean heavily on their proven stars, especially with uncertainty at wide receiver.
Pearsall’s college production suggests he can handle volume, but his NFL sample size remains small, and his rookie year was inconsistent.
Final Recommendation and Projection
Pearsall represents a solid top-36 wide receiver option for Week 1, but calling him “safe” would be premature. The opportunity is clear with injuries opening up targets, his chemistry with Purdy has improved, and the matchup against Seattle’s vulnerable secondary is favorable.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
However, questions remain about exactly how the 49ers will distribute targets and whether Pearsall can capitalize on his expanded role. Expect five to seven targets, three to five catches, 45-70 yards, with moderate touchdown upside. His floor is 6-8 PPR points, but his ceiling could reach 15-plus if he connects on a big play or finds the end zone.
Fantasy managers should view him as a high-upside WR3/flex play who could quickly vault into weekly consideration with a strong showing, but the uncertainty surrounding his exact role prevents him from being a must-start option.
