Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Darnell Mooney

Tuesday, December 2, 11:37 AM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said he is "not sure" but "hopeful" when asked if it's realistic to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to take the field in 2025, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Aiyuk tore multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 7 of the 2024 season and has yet to play in a game since. Aiyuk was one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL in the last full season he played back in 2023, recording 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. However, it appears as though he may not be healthy until 2026. Aiyuk also may be locked into a contract stand-off with the team, as the 49ers reportedly voided guarantees in his current contract. Between the injury and the contractual issues, fantasy managers should likely proceed as though Aiyuk will not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2025.

Saturday, December 6, 10:31 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney underwhelmed last week with his opportunity to produce while the team's top receiver, Drake London (knee), was out with an injury, catching just two of his five targets for 25 scoreless yards. It would be misguided to expect the same production as London out of Mooney, though, as the latter is more of a downfield threat and is five inches shorter, which tends to limit his effectiveness in the red zone. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old will have another opportunity to produce in Week 14 at home against the Seahawks, with London once again ruled out. Seattle has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers for the season and is yielding just 152.7 yards per game through the air over their last three games. Combined with Kirk Cousins' propensity to spread the ball around, Mooney sets up as a low-end WR3 in Week 14.