Team Preview - San Francisco 49ers

Welcome to my second team preview post about the second worst football team last year, the San Francisco 49ers. Not too many people expected the 49ers to do this bad with the acquisition of Jimmy Garoppolo the season before, but after his torn ACL, the team went into a free fall. I don't expect they do nearly as bad this year with a very complete roster with multiple fantasy-relevant players I will be discussing below.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will look to make a strong recovery from a torn ACL

Quarterback - Jimmy Garoppolo

The big question mark for Jimmy G is his torn ACL heading into this season. There was a lot of hype heading into last season for Jimmy G, but I think he's set up nicely to succeed this year. He has a talented group of running backs, a super stud tight end, and an average group of receivers, but with his talent, I think he can make everyone else around him better. Expect a solid, QB12 floor with a potential top-3 ceiling.

Will Tevin Coleman rise to the top of a crowded backfield?

Running Back - Tevin Coleman, Jerrick McKinnon, Matt Breida

This is a messy one with so many guys fighting for touches. All 3 running backs are super talented and can contribute in the receiving game. I think each running back is capable of producing solid RB2 numbers, but in a committee like this, I can't see any back taking full control. However, I think Coleman will be the most valuable of the bunch with McKinnon recovering from a torn ACL and Breida's lack of long term production. Expect very successful rushing numbers for the 49ers with only Coleman producing low-end RB2 numbers.

Wide Receiver - Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel

For such a complete team, the 49ers have a dud receiving corps. Second round pick Deebo Samuel figures to soak up some targets and will look to make big plays, but I don't think he can be fantasy relevant until later in the season. I can't see Dante Pettis crossing the 500 yard, 4 TD mark with his track record. Goodwin is the only receiver worth drafting with his uber-athleticism, and I think if he stays healthy, he can produce legit WR2 numbers with most of the attention going towards a certain tight end.

There is no surer bet at the tight end position than George Kittle

Tight End - George Kittle

I think this guy has a legit case for the top TE behind Travis Kelce. Last year, Kittle broke the single-season receiving yardage record for the position and a ridiculous 210 yard first half performance. With Garoppolo back, I think Kittle will outperform his numbers last year and has among the highest odds of being the TE1 next year. Draft in rounds 3-4 and forget about the tight end spot for the rest of the year.

Defense - I forgot to write about the Cardinal's defense, but I don't think their defense will do much next year. On the other hand, I think the 49ers defense can be a wrecking ball with their dominant front line. With Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and the newly drafted Nick Bosa, I think the 49ers will place in the top 5 of sack numbers. As stats show, sacks translate to overall defensive success and I think the 49ers have a legitimate show at being a dark-horse top-3 defensive like the Bears last year.

Final Predictions -

I think the 49ers have all the pieces to succeed this year. Kyle Shanahan is a mastermind coach and despite their record last year, they have one of the most complete rosters in the league. Their receiving corps might cause some problems, but George Kittle will account for most of their shortcomings. Overall, I think the team put points on the board, and with that, fantasy success always follows.