Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (52 Percent Rostered)
Aiyuk is going to be sidelined for a good portion of the 2025 campaign as he recovers from an ACL tear suffered last October. The 49ers star was placed on the PUP list—meaning he’ll miss at least four games—with head coach Kyle Shanahan looking at a potential Week 6 return.
Expect the Niners to try to get Aiyuk back up to speed as soon as possible. The team will be desperate for pass-catching help after parting ways with Deebo Samuel this offseason and having 2024 breakout star Jauan Jennings miss much of the preseason due to a calf issue and contract dispute.
If you can stash Aiyuk—especially in your IR slot—he could deliver top-10 numbers down the stretch and help win your league.
Christian Kirk, Houston Texans (41 Percent Rostered)
The Texans made a smart move to add Kirk for pennies on the dollar this offseason, getting a receiver who underwhelmed in an abysmal offensive system and dealt with injuries for much of stint with the Jags.
He’s due to reemerge as a legitimate fantasy weapon this year, potentially even outperforming his WR12 finish from 2022 if all goes right for the veteran.
Kirk is shaping up to be the second option behind superstar Nico Collins and should be on the field even in two wide receiver sets, a setup that should result in consistent fantasy production.
Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (26 Percent Rostered)
Chicago’s Week 1 clash with the Vikings will reveal much about head coach Ben Johnson’s new-look offense.
One of the biggest mysteries going into the new season is Burden, a second-round pick who will have to compete with the likes of D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and the team’s two pass-catching tight ends for targets.
If Burden can still find a way to carve out a meaningful role and get at least a few targets each week, he has more than enough talent to make the most of them and put up huge fantasy numbers. This is the ultimate boom-or-bust stash, one that could end up paying dividends for managers who rolled the dice.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (16 Percent Rostered)
The Patriots may have a logjam in their receiving corps, but Douglas has stood a cut above the rest in training camp.
While high-profile offseason additions such as Stefon Diggs drew most of the offseason headlines, the third-year incumbent could wind up remaining Drake Maye’s favorite target in 2025.
Douglas may have flown under the radar in previous seasons, but he could have a true breakout campaign if the Pats’ O-line and running game takes a leap and properly supports the passing attack.
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