Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Jameson Williams

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.

Friday, December 5, 1:48 AM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams converted nine targets into seven catches for 96 receiving yards during Thursday's Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Each of those three statistics either tied or singlehandedly set team-highs in the Detroit victory. Williams capitalized on increased opportunities to produce with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) less than 100 percent. St. Brown was still heavily involved, but Williams had more targets and yards than his talented receiver teammate, and the two tied for playing time with 57 snaps. The 24-year-old has now posted at least 16.6 fantasy points (PPR) in five of his last six games, with the lone exception being a zero-catch dud in Week 12. During that six-week span, he ranks as the overall WR12 in fantasy points per game, as well as the WR1 in total fantasy points. Even if St. Brown is back to 100 percent next week against the Los Angeles Rams, Williams should still be viewed as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver and a must-start in all leagues.