Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Brandon Aiyuk

Friday, December 19, 10:06 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith tied his lowest target count in a game this season against the Raiders, mustering just two looks. He was not alone, however, as only one Philly player (Dallas Goedert) achieved more than three targets in the runaway victory. Plus, Smith was able to make the most of his little involvement, tallying 50 yards on two catches. Coming up, he'll face off against a Commanders defense that has been weak against the pass this season. In fact, Washington has allowed more than 300 passing yards in three of their last six outings. However, Smith has not dazzled recently, having failed to find the end zone since Week 10 and tallying more than four receptions in a game just twice in that same span. In what could be another game where Philly doesn't need to rely on throwing the ball, Smith may be outcasted yet again. The defensive matchup is favorable, but his involvement is no guarantee. Consider him a low-end WR3/FLEX this week.

Thursday, December 18, 4:18 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) has been "extremely distant" from the team since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 27-year-old has not played a game since that point. The 49ers voided guarantees in his contract for 2026 and placed him on the reserve/left squad list on Saturday, officially ending his 2025 season. All signs seem to indicate that Aiyuk and the 49ers are likely to go their separate ways this offseason. In his last fully healthy season in 2023, Aiyuk recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. He has a chance to get back to his superstar heights if he can get fully healthy and find the right team. However, his health and the way his current situation in San Francisco has unfolded may bring about question marks for dynasty league fantasy managers.