Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or DeMario Douglas

Thursday, September 25, 12:43 PM

The Athletic's David Lombardi reports that it doesn't look like Week 6 is a realistic date to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list based on general manager John Lynch's recent comments. Aiyuk did not suffer a "clean" ACL tear -- he also had damage to his MCL -- in Week 7 of last year, hence a longer recovery. However, Lombardi added that Aiyuk hasn't had any setbacks during his recovery, and he's been seen sprinting at practices. Lynch said that the 27-year-old wideout is "not close" to coming off the PUP list in 2025. Fantasy managers who are stashing the former first-rounder are going to need to stay patient. In the meantime, receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) will remain the top pass-catchers for the banged-up Niners with tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.

Saturday, September 27, 1:35 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is off the fantasy radar heading into Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old receiver has struggled to strengthen his rapport with Drake Maye this year, catching just five of his 13 targets for a measly 13 yards. Douglas has always been a short-yardage receiver with low touchdown totals, but his track record as a target hog seemed to give him some fantasy relevance in PPR drafts last month. That relevance has quickly slipped away as Douglas can now be dropped in most fantasy leagues. He's particularly unappealing this week as he faces the Panthers, who have surrendered the fewest catches, second-fewest receiving yards, and second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.