Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Rashid Shaheed

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, 7:13 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Rashid Shaheed could see his involvement increase in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle will be without wide receiver Tory Horton (groin/shin) in this game. Horton is Seattle's other deep-play threat who could threaten Shaheed's touches. Shaheed was only on the field for 34% of the Seahawks' offensive snaps in Week 11. Part of that was likely due to the game script removing the need for additional offensive output as Seattle was dominating the Cardinals. Still, Seattle was intentional with trying to get Shaheed the ball. He garnered three targets, including a couple of plays clearly schemed for him. The Rams are near the top of the league in defending all facets of the game. However, all Shaheed needs is one big play to make his fantasy day. Ironically, Shaheed just faced the Rams in Week 9 as a member of the New Orleans Saints. He reeled in five catches for 68 targets for a solid fantasy day. As such, Shaheed could be a solid dart throw if you are in dire straits at the wide receiver position.