Brandon Aiyuk Week 2 Outlook - 49ers at Vikings

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Thu, Sep 12th 2024, 1:05pm EDT

Last week Aiyuk wasn't nearly as limited as we were led to believe walking into Week 1. He had a 75.8% route run rate with a 17.2% target share, a 19.1% air-yard share, 1.12 YPRR, and a 13.6% first-read share. That first-read share ranked fourth among the 49ers' starting skill players. We shouldn't be surprised by that, though, as Samuel was slated to lead the passing attack with the coverage matchup that they faced in Week 1. It should be much the same this week, with Samuel doing the heavy lifting. In Week 1, Minny utilized two high on a crazy 83.7% of their coverage snaps to lead the NFL. Last year, against two high defenses, Aiyuk had an 18% target share, a 35.3% air-yard share (15.5 aDOT), 2.58 YPRR, and a 25% first-read share. Aiyuk is still getting his legs under him after missing most of the offseason with trade rumors and contract issues swirling. Aiyuk will run about 80% of his routes against Stephon Gilmore (2023: 56.8% catch rate and 90.4 passer rating) and Shaquill Griffin (2023: 63.8% catch rate and 82.5 passer rating). I expect his route share to trickle up, but this could be another sleepy week for Aiyuk.