49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk won't play tonight, which means his fantasy owners will have to dig through the well for Week 3.
But it could mean opportunity for owners of gadget man Deebo Samuel — and, crucially, fourth-string wide receiver Ronnie Bell.
Aiyuk had been slated as the 22nd-most valuable wideout had he been available for Giants vs. 49ers on Thursday Night Football, according to our advanced metrics. The Action Network's Sean Koerner ranked him 15th overall while Chris Raybon had him him 31st overall.
Meanwhile, Samuel is ranked 8th on the composite now that Aiyuk is out. (Note that these rankings are for standard two wide receiver, PPR leagues.) Both Koerner and Raybon have the same 8th-best rating.
Most importantly is how Aiyuk's absence will affect Bell's fantasy outlook, however. Samuel is already scheduled to get his requisite touches — a few more doesn't move the dial as much as it will for Bell.
To Koerner, Aiyuk's absence means Bell becomes the 80th-best receiver of the week — good enough for a flex play in some leagues.
