49ers vs. Colts: 3 key Niners who’ll make all the difference in Week 7

1. 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

Perhaps Kyle Shanahan’s most controversial topic this season has been his neglect of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. After a standout rookie season, the wideout has dramatically fallen out of relevance in the 49ers offense.

The second-year player was primed for a breakout season and still has the playmaking ability to ignite a more explosive level to this offense. With so much controversy at quarterback, why not direct air traffic to Aiyuk, who has the skill to make whoever is under center look special? He’s already had a couple of great plays on contested catches this year, and it still hasn’t seemed to be enough to earn him more targets.

Aiyuk’s underuse has to change this game. Whatever Shanahan’s reasoning is behind leaving one of his most talented offensive weapons out of the picture, he has to move on. Don’t overthink this, Shanahan, just play your best players. Indianapolis is allowing 255.5 passing yards per game, and it’s going to take more than just Deebo Samuel to take advantage of that uninspired secondary.

If Aiyuk can come up with significant yardage on some deep plays this game, it’s going to boost confidence at quarterback and beyond. Aiyuk is the answer, but we’ll have to watch and see if he gets the chance to raise his hand at the Colts’ question this week.