Is Brandon Aiyuk Or Deebo Samuel The WR1 For The 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers have arguably the top offense in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey is the top running back in the league. Meanwhile, George Kittle is a top-5 tight end. However, the team’s best offensive unit is the wide receiver corps.

San Francisco has an outstanding 1-2 punch at wide receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr. Both wide receivers had over 1,100 scrimmage yards in 2023. Yet, the 49ers used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Ricky Pearsall, making their wide receiver corps even more dangerous.

While the rookie won’t replace either veteran in the starting lineup, who is the No. 1 wide receiver in San Francisco? Let’s dive into it.

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Brandon Aiyuk Fantasy Football Outlook

Aiyuk had an outstanding 2023 season, setting career highs in multiple categories. He had 75 receptions on 105 targets for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games. The star receiver was the WR14, averaging 13.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game last year. However, he is entering the final season of his rookie contract and wants a long-term deal. Yet, things have been messy for Aiyuk and the team this offseason.

Brandon Aiyuk knows his worth 🚗 pic.twitter.com/XBxzjkYJeF

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 1, 2024

Deebo Samuel Fantasy Football Outlook

Samuel had 892 receiving yards last season, the third most on the team behind Aiyuk and Kittle. However, he had 37 rushing attempts for 225 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games, providing the 49ers with an option on the ground and in the air. The former South Carolina star was second on the team in touches (97) behind McCaffrey, showing his ability to make plays on the ground and downfield.

PURDY. DEEBO. 🎯

📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/5KdVtUvjzZ

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023

Who Is The WR1 For The 49ers?

Fantasy players should jump at the chance to draft either veteran receiver this year. Both players were top-15 wide receivers in 2023 despite sharing targets with McCaffrey and Kittle. However, I would draft Aiyuk over Samuel.

The former Arizona State star has been a go-to target for Brock Purdy since the young quarterback took over under center. Meanwhile, Samuel’s fantasy production significantly relies on his role in the run game. San Francisco could cut back on his rushing attempts, given his age and injury history.

In games that Brock Purdy has started:

Brandon Aiyuk has 8 100-yard receiving games (26 games)

In games that Brock Purdy has not started:

Brandon Aiyuk has 3 100-yard receiving games (45 games) pic.twitter.com/O8p9Dsxii2

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 23, 2024

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