Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Brandon Aiyuk

Saturday, October 25, 8:48 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is set to return from a four-game absence with a quadriceps injury in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. McLaurin will provide a much-needed boost to Washington's passing attack after a tough offensive showing in Week 7 against the Cowboys. The 30-year-old wideout was off to a slow start in the three games he played before getting injured, catching 10 of 17 targets for 149 yards. A slower start was to be expected, as McLaurin missed most of training camp while negotiating a new contract extension. Washington's top wide receiver will be joined back by Deebo Samuel Sr., who missed last week with a heel injury, but will be without his star quarterback, Jayden Daniels (hamstring). McLaurin has had success with Mariota under center, however. He caught six of six targets for 98 yards in Week 7 of last season and then seven of eight targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in just the second half in Week 18. In Week 3 this season, he caught three of four targets for 74 yards with Mariota before getting injured, and nearly had a long touchdown. It's a tough spot for McLaurin to make his return, as the Chiefs have allowed the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. McLaurin comes in as the WR30 in RotoBaller's rankings for Week 8.

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.