Brandon Aiyuk vs. Deebo Samuel Sr. – Who Should I Draft In 2024 Fantasy Football?

Should fantasy football players draft Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel Sr. during their 2024 fantasy drafts? Mike Fanelli examines the case for both wide receivers.

The San Francisco 49ers have arguably the top set of weapons in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey is the top running back in the league, providing San Francisco with a dynamic playmaker on the ground and in the passing game.

Meanwhile, George Kittle is arguably the top do-it-all tight end in the NFL. The superstar was the only tight end with over 1,000 receiving yards in 2023. However, the 49ers receiver corps is their top unit on offense.

San Francisco spent its first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Ricky Pearsall. However, he will barely see the field as a rookie because of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr. Both veterans were outstanding last season. Yet, which one should fantasy players draft this year?

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Brandon Aiyuk 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Aiyuk was the WR14 last season, averaging 13.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The star receiver had 75 receptions on 105 targets for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 contests. Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers has been a hot topic over the past several weeks.

AIYUUUUUUUUUUUK AGAIN.

📺: #SFvsPIT on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/oe2fa730Im

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023

After multiple reports saying the veteran would get traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, many believe Aiyuk and San Francisco could work out a long-term extension before Week 1.

Deebo Samuel Sr. 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Samuel was the WR12 last year, averaging 14.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The do-it-all receiver had 60 receptions on 89 targets for 892 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. However, he also had 37 rushing attempts for 225 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 15 games.

HAT TRICK FOR DEEBO

📺: #SFvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/hCev8lP2yB

— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2023

The veteran wide receiver has missed time almost every year of his career because of injury. However, Samuel has a top-5 upside if Aiyuk gets traded. While Kittle, Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings will see more targets, the 49ers will have their passing attack flow through the dynamic receiver.

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

Fantasy players should jump at the chance to draft either San Francisco wide receiver as their WR2 in 2024. However, Aiyuk is slightly higher in my rankings, assuming he stays with the 49ers. He had a breakout year last season. More importantly, Aiyuk is younger, has more upside, and has less injury history than Samuel.

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