Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Kadarius Toney

Monday, September 30, 2:21 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remained in a fantasy football rut during a 30-13 home win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Aiyuk came away with two receptions on five targets for 48 yards and is still searching for touchdown number one -- though he did get another end zone target that was picked off. Those looking for more volume from Aiyuk have to be disappointed as today's yardage matches last week's but with five fewer targets. At least this year's career-low yards per reception figure increased today, which was his calling card in 2023. While smart money still says that Aiyuk will turn it around eventually, it has to be disturbing for Aiyuk managers to see third receiver Jauan Jennings outproduce Aiyuk in yards, receptions, and targets again in this one after Jennings' bonanza last week in the absence of Deebo Samuel Sr. It might be true that 2024 won't end up as Aiyuk's best statistical year because of the sluggish start, but he's still young and has too good of a track record to give up on. If anything, he's a good buy-low candidate from managers who have grown impatient and unaware that Aiyuk has always been somewhat volatile and dependent on big plays. He'll get another crack at it next week versus the Arizona Cardinals at home.

Wednesday, September 11, 4:32 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Kadarius Toney (undisclosed) was not practicing on Wednesday due to a minor undisclosed injury, according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram. Toney recently signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday to join the practice squad. The 25-year-old will likely need substantial time to get accustomed to the Cleveland playbook and should not be expected to join the active roster anytime soon. Last season, the former first-round selection played in 13 games for the Kansas City Chiefs but totaled just 169 yards and a score on 27 catches. He added 31 yards on the ground. Toney should remain on all waiver wires until he earns a consistent role in the Cleveland offense.