Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Quentin Johnston

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.

Saturday, December 6, 4:30 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is coming off a three-reception, 23-yard, one-touchdown game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the passing attack still heavily depended on quick, short passes to compensate for issues along the offensive line. Johnston will face a tough matchup against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who ranks 10th in allowing the fewest fantasy points per route. Additionally, the Eagles' pass defense ranks 24th in fantasy points allowed per dropback when in zone coverage. Johnston has struggled against zone, with a 14% target rate and 1.16 yards per route run. He is officially off the injury report after dealing with a shoulder injury, but the tough matchup, combined with the expected run-heavy game and uncertainty at quarterback, suggests he will continue to be a boom-or-bust low-end WR3, heavily reliant on scoring a touchdown.