Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Calvin Austin III

Thursday, November 13, 12:17 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch left open the possibility that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) may not make it back to play at all in 2025, according to KNBR. "That's not the intention, the intention is to get Brandon back. We're not there yet, we just gotta get him to a place where we're comfortable opening that window, and see if he can make it back on the field. That is the intention. But we'll see, no absolutes there," Lynch said when asked if there was a scenario in which Aiyuk wouldn't make it back to play this year. The 27-year-old has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list all season after tearing his MCL and ACL in Week 7 of 2024. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team will not open Aiyuk's 21-day practice window this week, either, so he won't make his 2025 debut in Week 11 against the division-rival Cardinals. Fantasy managers still stashing Aiyuk may not want to get their hopes up.

Thursday, November 13, 10:50 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has struggled to capitalize on his opportunities in 2025. Through seven games, he's caught 21 of 36 targets for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Despite rumors that Pittsburgh might add another wideout at the trade deadline to complement D.K. Metcalf, no deal materialized, keeping Austin in the WR2 role. However, his Week 10 miscue, a dropped pass that led to an interception, hurt the team and could affect his standing with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With trust being critical in Rodgers' offense, Austin needs to show more consistency and playmaking ability. For now, he holds some fantasy value based on volume alone, but he'll need to step up to remain a reliable option.