Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Rashod Bateman

Friday, October 3, 9:46 AM

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday Night Football that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), coming off a significant knee injury, is "still weeks away" from returning. Aiyuk was placed on the PUP list to start the season, which required him to miss at least the first four games of the year. It appears he will miss more time, with an uncertain timetable for his return. Fantasy managers who have the room to continue to hold him on their IR should, but with the number of injuries that have transpired over the last two weeks, fantasy managers who need to make room on their team for players closer to returning might want to consider that, as Aiyuk is looking like he won't return anytime in the next few weeks.

Saturday, October 11, 10:31 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has a chance to be the WR1 this week with Zay Flowers (shoulder) listed as questionable. Unfortunately, that won't move the fantasy value needle too much while Lamar Jackson (hamstring) remains sidelined. In Week 5, he saw three targets, but didn't register a single reception. As long as the offensive line continues to struggle, Bateman isn't likely to see many downfield throws, especially in a simplified offense for Cooper Rush. As of right now, he's projected to finish around WR72 in half-PPR formats, so there are probably better options on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of a flex.