The Touchback is launching a preview series for fantasy football this season. Today, we’re providing you with the San Francisco 49ers 2020 Fantasy Football Overview. Click here to read our other previews.
The San Francisco 49ers will need to regroup in 2020 and avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. However, they find themselves in a relatively strong position to make another run. They return most of the key players from a team that won 13 games and even managed to add offensive tackle Trent Williams.
The former All-Pro will elevate an already formidable blocking unit that mauled opposing defensive lines in 2019. That bodes well for whoever will be running the ball, something that isn’t exactly easy to predict for the 49ers on a week-to-week basis. Raheem Mostert has the highest ADP after closing the season scoring seven touchdowns in six games and crushing the Green Packers in the NFC Championship.
However, the situation isn’t so clear. In the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, Tevin Coleman was the bellcow and had a few notable games himself. And then there is Jeff Wilson Jr. lurking in the background as well. Let’s not forget he had a pair of two touchdown performances in 2019. Chances are the running back situation in San Francisco will remain as murky as ever.
Related: Fantasy studs and duds for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020
San Francisco 49ers 2020 Fantasy Football Overview: Players to watch
Stud – George Kittle
Keep. It. Simple. Stupid. George Kittle is at worst the second-best tight end in the NFL and he will produce barring injury.
Dud – Deebo Samuel
The issue with Deebo Samuel has nothing to do with talent or potential volume. It has everything to do with a foot injury that seems to be a bit of a mystery. San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping Samuel could play in week one but wasn’t expecting it. Some NFL reporters have noted that Samuel could miss as many as six weeks to start the season despite the wide receiver claiming he will recover quickly. Foot injuries don’t always heal cleanly which is a cause for concern. Add in a lack of clarity over when Samuel will be ready, and he is a player best to avoid.
Sleeper – Trent Taylor
In PPR leagues, especially ones with 12+ teams, finding slot receivers who can deliver is important. Guys like Cole Beasley may not be sexy, but they have a very safe floor. This is what makes Trent Taylor a sleeper. The Louisiana Tech Bulldog is the quintessential slot receiver. He also has a connection with Jimmy Garoppolo. The two teamed up 17 receptions on 20 targets for 191 yards during Jimmy G’s 5-0 stretch in 2018. With Samuel likely to miss time, Dante Pettis seemingly still in the doghouse and no other slot receivers in sight, Taylor could be a sneaky pick up. He certainly seems ready for 2020.
Wildcard – Jimmy Garoppolo
All the way back at the end of the 2017 season, Jimmy Garoppolo had an amazing stretch with the 49ers. This led many to believe he could be a top-10 fantasy quarterback. However, he tore his ACL in 2018 and never really looked quite right in 2019. This season will be extremely important for Jimmy G.
If he can be more than a game manager, it would make him a relevant quarterback and help boost the outlook of all San Francisco pass catchers. However, another season like 2019 would be bad news for everyone not named George Kittle.
San Francisco 49ers 2020 Fantasy Football Overview final thoughts
The San Francisco 49ers are one of those teams that give fantasy football managers headaches. You know they will score points most weeks, they had the second highest total in 2019, but it is near impossible to know just exactly who will benefit apart from George Kittle. Players like Raheem Mostert will have booms and busts throughout the year meaning they aren’t for the faint of heart.
