Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or DeMario Douglas

Monday, August 11, 5:05 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't thought about it much, but said that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) might return in Week 6. General manager John Lynch already said that he didn't think Aiyuk would be ready for Week 1 of the regular season in early September, but now it looks like the 27-year-old pass-catcher will be out much longer after tearing both his MCL and ACL in his right knee last October. Aiyuk is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which will require him to miss at least the first four games. He has not practiced with the team at all this year. Obviously, this is a big hit to Aiyuk's 2025 fantasy value. Aiyuk is stash-worthy in fantasy leagues that have designated Injured Reserve spots. In Aiyuk's absence, both Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to benefit as key members of the passing attack.

Monday, August 11, 1:10 PM

During the New England Patriots' walkthrough practice on Monday, quarterback Drake Maye has gone to wide receiver DeMario Douglas "a ton," according to Taylor Kyles. Douglas is on the rise on fantasy draft boards this year as one of the most productive and consistent wideouts for the Patriots during training camp. The 24-year-old slot receiver could flourish in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system after he caught 66 of his 87 targets for 621 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games a year ago. The Patriots also have Stefon Diggs coming back from a torn ACL last year in Houston. If healthy, Diggs will be the team's WR1, but it doesn't mean that Douglas can't be fantasy relevant alongside him, mainly in PPR formats. Right now, Douglas is ranked at RotoBaller as the WR69, so fantasy managers won't need to spend much on him.