Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Rashee Rice

Tuesday, February 11, 2:41 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, though his status is uncertain for now. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL in October of last season, so the recovery timeline makes it realistic for him to be ready for the start of the new campaign. Following a 1,400-yard receiving season in 2023, the 49ers signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract. Unfortunately, he could only produce 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games in 2024. That said, Aiyuk could be a value pick in fantasy football coming off the injury, especially since Deebo Samuel appears to finally be on the way out of San Francisco via trade at some point this offseason.

Wednesday, February 5, 12:02 PM

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee), who is on Injured Reserve, is doing well, which is "a good sign for next year." Rice will not play in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, against the Philadelphia Eagles after he had surgery to fix the LCL in his right knee way back in October of last year. The 24-year-old also suffered a tear of his hamstring in 2024, but the good news is that barring any setbacks this offseason, he should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 season this fall. And when fully healthy, Rice should return to being quarterback Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 target in the passing game. Before suffering his season-ending injury, the former third-rounder had 24 catches on 29 targets for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The only thing standing in the way of his fantasy value for next season is a potential suspension for an off-the-field incident last March.