Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Drake London

Wednesday, July 30, 3:07 PM

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are still unsure when Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will return to action. The 2023 All-Pro selection was the talk of the offseason last year as he negotiated a new contract following a 1,300-yard campaign, and unfortunately, he tallied just 374 receiving yards and no touchdowns in seven games before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. The 27-year-old could be set to start the new season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), which would require him to sit out at least the first four games. Dynasty fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and his cost in preseason redraft leagues is likely to continue to decline. Aiyuk could have a productive finish to the 2025 campaign if he can return to form, but it would be a surprise if he's a solid fantasy contributor early in the season. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to gain the most value in Aiyuk's absence.

Wednesday, April 30, 1:03 PM

The Atlanta Falcons exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Drake London on Wednesday, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. This was a no-brainer decision after London posted career-highs in catches (100), targets (158), receiving yards (1,271) and touchdowns (nine) in 17 starts in 2024 in his third year in the NFL. The 23-year-old eighth overall pick in 2022 will now be under contract with the Falcons through the 2026 season, but he could sign a long-term extension well before that if he has another big year in 2025. It was impressive performance for London last year, especially when considering that quarterback Kirk Cousins fell flat in his first year back from an Achilles tear and was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. late in the season. It's good news that he caught 22 passes for 352 yards and two TDs in the final three games with Penix. London is a surefire WR1 in fantasy.