Who Should I Start? JuJu Smith-Schuster or Brandon Aiyuk

Saturday, October 11, 11:08 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster could be entering his final week of fantasy relevance. Through five games, the veteran has caught 16 of 21 targets for 168 yards and a touchdown, primarily operating out of the slot. Smith-Schuster has been a steady part of the Chiefs' passing attack, logging 74% of snaps and routes, but that role is likely to diminish soon. With Rashee Rice set to return from suspension in Week 7, Smith-Schuster's playing time and target share could take a significant hit. For Week 6, however, he draws a favorable matchup against a Lions defense that's allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Smith-Schuster carries deep-league FLEX appeal in what could be his final start-worthy week for Kansas City.

Monday, October 27, 8:04 PM

The San Francisco 49ers do not plan to open wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) 21-day practice window on Wednesday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said late last week that Aiyuk could resume practicing this week, but it won't happen on Wednesday, meaning he's unlikely to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list to make his season debut in Week 9 against the New York Giants. The 27-year-old pass-catcher is still recovering from suffering a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee in Week 7 of last year. Once he returns to practice, the 49ers are expected to take things slow with him, and he could need the full 21 days before he's officially activated to the active 53-man roster. Fantasy managers stashing Aiyuk need to remain patient, and it's possible that he's not back to full speed until the 2026 season.