Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Marvin Mims Jr.

Monday, November 17, 3:31 PM

The San Francisco 49ers won't open the practice windows for either wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) or Jacob Cowing (hamstring) this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Aiyuk, who has been out all year since tearing multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 7 of 2024, remains "week-to-week. Cowing, meanwhile, will not have his practice window opened until after the team's Week 14 bye. Aiyuk will not make his season debut in Week 12 versus the Carolina Panthers, and he's probably unlikely to return in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, either. Time is running out for the 27-year-old former first-rounder to make an impact for fantasy managers who have been stashing him all year. The Niners have a good matchup coming out of their bye in Week 15 against the Titans, but even if Aiyuk can play in that game, he'd be a very risky option for those playing in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.

Friday, November 14, 7:39 PM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion) was able to practice in full this week and has been cleared to face the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Week 11. Mims suffered a concussion in Week 8 and missed the last two games, but he'll be back as the Broncos look to separate themselves further atop the AFC West division. It's good news for a struggling Denver offense, but things won't get any easier this weekend against a tough KC defense that is coming off its bye. The 23-year-old Mims is a big play waiting to happen, but he hasn't had enough volume in 2025 to be a realistic WR4/flex play in 12-team fantasy football leagues. Coming into Week 11, has taken a back seat to second-year man Troy Franklin, catching 22 of 32 targets for 234 yards and one touchdown in eight games. Mims' return will also put a dent in Franklin's upside in a bad matchup.