Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Khalil Shakir

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, 4:12 PM

If you want consistency, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir will deliver. Buffalo's slot receiver has failed to reach double-digit PPR fantasy points twice: Once in his first game back from an ankle injury and once in a snowstorm. That's led to Shakir's current standing as the WR25. He has a target share north of 23% and maintains his status as Josh Allen's favorite wide receiver. A blowout will be the primary concern for Shakir's fantasy managers. The Bills are a 14-point home favorite and could take their foot off the gas earlier than usual. Shakir ranks as a low-end, but safe, WR2.