Whether it’s Pittsburgh, Cleveland or San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk is suiting up for one of those three teams in the fall, and it’s left fantasy owners wondering. After coming off of an amazing year last season, what does this year look like for him?
2024 Fantasy Football Profile: Brandon Aiyuk
2023 in Review
Brandon Aiyuk had a career year in 2023 where he recorded a personal best 1,342 yards and 17.9 yards per reception. He finished just four receptions and two touchdowns shy of setting new career highs in those categories, too. Aiyuk made the most of his opportunities last year in a crowded offensive room. Brock Purdy had a few mouths to feed with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle in addition to Aiyuk.
Aiyuk’s seven touchdowns may seem like a decent number, but he went seven straight weeks early in the season without a touchdown (Weeks 2-8). While this stretch includes a matchup with the Giants that he missed due to injury, Aiyuk stepped it up significantly after the bye week. There were just two fantasy-relevant games from weeks 10-17 where he recorded less than 50 yards receiving. Kyle Shanahan got the most of Aiyuk, and the league noticed his elevated play.
Working on a new fantasy post for ESPN — with a focus on offensive deployment.
WR Brandon Aiyuk…
Crossers, in-breakers, unders (whip/pivot, speed out).
Heavily schemed pass game in SF. Run away from coverage/attack open voids. #49ers pic.twitter.com/na2AFsJpqj
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) June 20, 2023
2024 Projection
Aiyuk’s performances this season will largely depend on which team he plays for, as all of the possibilities have different setups.
If Aiyuk stays in San Francisco:
Aiyuk’s targets will more than likely decline in San Francisco if he stays there. The 49ers drafted Ricky Pearsall as a cover in case Aiyuk was traded, and he will see the field this season. Pearsall will eat into someone’s targets if Aiyuk stays, and it won’t be Samuel or Kittle who see their numbers lowered. Pearsall thrives in the slot which is where Aiyuk lines up the most. Shanahan won’t line up in 11 personnel every play (1 running back, 1 tight end), meaning it will come down to Aiyuk or Pearsall as to who lines up in the slot.
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If Aiyuk goes to Cleveland:
Aiyuk’s production with the Browns would be on par on better with what fans saw from him last year in San Francisco. Cleveland is looking for a slot receiver and would love to give Deshaun Watson another target. If by some chance Amari Cooper is part of the return back to the 49ers, Aiyuk’s stock goes up even more as the top receiving option for the Browns. Kevin Stefanski loves throwing the ball downfield, so Aiyuk would fit right in with his offense.
If Aiyuk goes to Pittsburgh:
Aiyuk would also see similar numbers if he goes to the Steelers and possibly even finish with more catches and yards. Pittsburgh’s offense is structured like Cleveland’s with no true slot receiver and a great talent on the outside, but Arthur Smith loves play action. Play action passes set up the slot receiver well for routes over the middle of the field, and he would be a favored target whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center.
If I’m into fantasy football, I’d highly recommend drafting George Pickens!
With the impending trade for Brandon Aiyuk, Pickens will get so many more 1 on 1 matchups with Aiyuk getting all the attention.
Pickens will FEAST. Right @FieldYates??
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 7, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk Fantasy Football ADP
FantasyPros currently has Aiyuk’s ADP at 30, but it ranges from 11-38. Aiyuk was the WR16 in fantasy football last year, so taking him in the first round is quite a stretch. Using a late second round pick or early third round pick on Aiyuk is much more reasonable depending upon roster construction and league settings. The latest mock draft here at Last Word on Sports has Aiyuk fitting into that range.
If Aiyuk stays in San Francisco, his ADP will likely drop with Pearsall in the picture. However, a trade to Cleveland or Pittsburgh would keep his ADP where it is currently or see a slight raise.
Main Photo Courtesy of Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports
