Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Rashid Shaheed

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.

Friday, December 5, 11:07 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is not a fantasy option in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Shaheed's snap count percentage has capped out around 50% for this team. He is being used as more of a gadget player than a true WR2. It is always difficult to integrate a new player at the trade deadline, but Shaheed is capable of much more in this offense. To make matters worse, Shaheed is not even being targeted down the field despite his limited usage. He does not possess the potential to hit on a big play unless he takes a punt return to the house. At this point, Shaheed can be dropped from your team. Until the Seahawks demonstrate that he is going to be a fully integrated piece of their offense, he is not going to be worth rostering in fantasy.