Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Brandon Aiyuk

Saturday, October 25, 9:01 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been cleared from the injury report ahead of Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuel missed only one game due to the heel injury that he's been managing for a few weeks, and will be joined by fellow wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who returns from a four-game absence because of a quadriceps injury. Samuel has enjoyed an outstanding bounce-back season with Washington through six games, catching 34 of his 43 targets for 315 yards and three touchdowns, and has added eight rushes for 45 yards and another score on the ground. McLaurin's return could take away a few targets, but Samuel has operated as the focal point of the passing attack in his absence. He's shown more downfield ability this year and continues to be one of the best YAC threats in the league. RotoBaller ranks him as WR25 in PPR leagues for Week 8 against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

Friday, October 24, 5:31 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the team could open wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) 21-day practice window next week, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Even if Aiyuk doesn't resume practicing next week, the team is in "week-to-week mode now" in terms of when they will designate him to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 27-year-old has been out all year as he recovers from a devastating right-knee injury that he suffered in Week 7 of 2024. He is getting close to rejoining the team on the practice field, but Aiyuk's return to game action on Sundays may still be a ways off. The former first-rounder is worth stashing in all fantasy leagues, but expectations must be tempered as the Niners continue to slow-play his return. Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne will serve as the top receivers for San Fran again in Week 8, with Ricky Pearsall (knee) missing a fourth straight game.