Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Brandon Aiyuk

Saturday, November 29, 5:31 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk has started to carve out a role for himself after being sidelined twice earlier in the season with hamstring issues. Kirk snagged his first touchdown of the season in Week 12's big win over Buffalo, and he snagged five of his six targets for 54 yards, his second-best total of the season. Kirk will look to build on that momentum this week in a big AFC South showdown against the Colts, who have been a top-10 matchup for wide receivers this season. Kirk's ceiling also gets a boost from the return of C.J. Stroud, after missing three games with a concussion. Kirk does have upside, but he has only caught 21 passes for 198 yards in his seven games this season, so he also has a low floor. The veteran slot receiver checks in as the WR77 in RotoBaller's Week 13 rankings, meaning he can be left on the bench or waiver wires in most standard-sized formats this week.

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.