Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Rashod Bateman

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, 12:07 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman popped up as a limited participant on Thursday's practice report, but has since registered a full practice on Friday and is good to go against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he'll be suiting up, his consistency hasn't been conducive to deploying him into fantasy lineups very often. He's only finished in WR3 territory or better twice, and he hasn't received more than two targets since Week 9 or more than two receptions since Week 3. The Steelers have given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season, which gives Bateman a bit more value, but he's still projected as the WR70 on RotoBaller's rankings in Week 14.