Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Brandon Aiyuk

Tuesday, June 24, 2:10 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Diontae Johnson believes veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett will be the team's starting quarterback following the competition against Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning his first Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts' backup. The 2022 first-round pick out of Pitt struggled to make a positive impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 career games. He looked competent in limited action with the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, that was behind the league's best offensive line and with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley to throw the ball to. If Pickett wins the starting job in Cleveland, he likely won't offer much fantasy upside and can be ignored in single-QB formats to start the new campaign. If he struggles early, the team could opt to move to Joe Flacco or one of the first-year signal callers.

Wednesday, July 30, 3:07 PM

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are still unsure when Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will return to action. The 2023 All-Pro selection was the talk of the offseason last year as he negotiated a new contract following a 1,300-yard campaign, and unfortunately, he tallied just 374 receiving yards and no touchdowns in seven games before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. The 27-year-old could be set to start the new season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), which would require him to sit out at least the first four games. Dynasty fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and his cost in preseason redraft leagues is likely to continue to decline. Aiyuk could have a productive finish to the 2025 campaign if he can return to form, but it would be a surprise if he's a solid fantasy contributor early in the season. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to gain the most value in Aiyuk's absence.