Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Jaylen Waddle

Friday, November 15, 7:10 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) had surgery on his right knee earlier this week to fix a torn ACL and other damage. In addition to tearing his ACL, Aiyuk also tore his MCL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and will miss the rest of the season. He should have already been dropped in single-season fantasy leagues. It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old will make enough progress in his rehab in the offseason in order to be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2025 regular season next fall. For the rest of 2024, receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle should be the most-targeted pass-catchers, with rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall also seeing an expanded role in the passing attack. Aiyuk was an absolute fantasy bust this year, finishing with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.

Friday, December 20, 12:56 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice open to the media and is listed as doubtful for the Week 16 contest on Sunday against the visiting San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Waddle suffered a knee injury early in the Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans and never returned, and now it looks like he'll sit out for at least one game. In addition, Dee Eskridge (knee) is also doubtful, so the Dolphins figure to be short-handed at wideout this weekend. Malik Washington should step into the WR2 role behind All-Pro Tyreek Hill, but for fantasy purposes, he still won't be a recommended option as a flex play in starting lineups with a trip to the fantasy championship on the line. If anything, Hill, tight end Jonnu Smith and running back De'Von Achane will be targeted more through the air.