NFL fantasy football projections: How 49ers rate at Patriots
SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday’s game at the New England Patriots:
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: Sit him
Projected stats: 250 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
The Patriots’ elite cornerbacks pose an extra element of danger, and even though Garoppolo will want to show well in his New England return, the 49ers’ success could be tied more to a short-passing game like last Sunday.
Running back Raheem Mostert: Sit him
Projected stats: 0
He is out with a high-ankle sprain for likely the next three games.
Running back Jerick McKinnon: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards, 1 TD
If he can show his legs aren’t shot from overuse in this comeback season, this is a game to do it. McKinnon needs to pick up the slack of Mostert’s absence, as he did reasonably well in Weeks 3 and 4.
Running back Jeff Wilson: Sit him
Projected stats: 25 yards
A calf injury kept him out last week and it’s hard to think the 49ers will rely heavily on him.
Running back JaMycal Hasty: Sit him
Projected stats: 50 yards
It’s too risky to put Hasty in your lineup, yet. He closed out last Sunday’s game well, but will the 49ers trust him for a more marquee role against a notoriously tough defense?
Tight end George Kittle: Start him
Projected stats: 10 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD
It’s the NFL’s second annual National Tight Ends Day gambit, so you know Kittle will do all he can. Actually, he does that every week. Anyhow, this is his first trip to New England and he could make it quite memorable as a catalyst to a win.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards, 1 TD
Look, he may not have as many yards off the jet-toss run/reception as last week but he remains a highly productive player in this scheme. His surgically repaired foot is cooperating well.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: Start him
Projected stats: 5 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
He came through with his first touchdown catch last week, and with all the attention the Patriots pay to Kittle and Samuel, Aiyuk could be the breakout star this game.
Kicker Robbie Gould: Start him
Projected stats: 3 PATs, 2 FGs
The Patriots’ red-zone defense ranks sixth, so Gould’s leg could be at a premium, if the 49ers can get within range for him in what’s been a strong season (8 of 9 field-goal attempts).
Defense: Sit it
Projected stats: Over 300 yards, over 25 points
Both starting safeties got ruled out Friday, and with replacements strewn across the defensive front, Cam Newton could have a bounce-back game for the Patriots.