San Francisco 49ers News

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will kick off to the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday for a Week 16 interconference matchup. In last Thursday's offensive snooze-fest in Santa Clara against the Los Angeles Rams, Moody nailed both of his field goal attempts, the first from 53 yards and the second from 47. He didn't get an extra point opportunity. The Dolphins' defense has been good, ranked sixth in the NFL in yards allowed per game. They are sixth in red zone defense -- oddly enough tied with the Rams -- at a 50% touchdown rate, which bodes well for Moody's chances at stacking a few field goal attempts. Still, the 49ers' ability to move the ball has been erratic in recent weeks and will again be without left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and they're extremely beat up in the backfield, turning to fifth option Patrick Taylor Jr. The weather in Miami is expected to be mild with no precipitation but with 8-10 mph winds. Moody is RotoBaller's 12th-ranked kicker in its Week 16 rankings.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is in Miami this week for an interconference matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday. Last week at home versus the Rams on Thursday Night Football the 49ers offense was anemic overall, but Kittle pulled in four of seven targets for a team-leading 61 yards. While Miami's pass defense has been very stingy to fantasy quarterbacks and receivers, it has allowed its fair share of tight end points, representing the median of the league. As the fantasy season winds down, Kittle managers playing for a shot at the championship this week owe him his props as he leads the NFL in half-PPR points per game at the tight end spot (13.7), and is just 3.1 behind leader Brock Bowers in total points. Kittle is a must-start top-3 option in Week 16.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will bring the least productive five-game stretch of his career into a Week 16 matchup in Miami on Sunday. He is averaging 3.3 half-PPR points over that stretch, including a 3.4-point performance last Thursday at home versus the Los Angeles Rams. Samuel Sr. reached a low point when he dropped an important 3rd-down pass in LA territory to a chorus of boos from the home fans. He'll have better days ahead -- he's certainly a better player than this -- but at this point, Samuel Sr. is untrustable in fantasy. In addition, Miami's tough pass defense has limited fantasy receivers to the second-lowest total in the league. Perhaps Samuel Sr. sees an increase in carries, with the 49ers down to their fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-string running backs due to a deluge of injuries. It might not matter much, though, as he's only averaging 2.7 yards per carry this year with one rushing touchdown, way back in Week 1. He's projected as a WR4 this week, and most Samuel Sr. managers still in the fantasy playoffs probably benched him long ago.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will face the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday. The former Tennessee Volunteer disappointed last Thursday despite a team-high nine targets. The opportunities only translated to two receptions for 31 yards. In fairness, an offensively sluggish, rain-soaked first half didn't help. Weather isn't expected to be a factor this week in Miami, but the Dolphins' pass defense offers its own challenge. Miami is ranked second-best in the NFL at limiting wide receiver fantasy half-PPR points. Still, Jennings is firmly entrenched as quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite option, as one would have to go back to Week 6 to find another 49er surpassing an active Jennings in targets. Despite the tough matchup, Jennings should rebound with a useful fantasy line as a solid WR2.

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is in Miami for a Week 16 contest against the Dolphins. In Week 15's Thursday night game with San Francisco clinging to playoff hopes against the Rams, Purdy did not play well, completing 14-of-31 passes for 142 yards, no touchdowns, an interception, and three yards rushing. The weather in Miami is expected to be mild and dry, which is ideal for Purdy as he has struggled mightily in precipitation, but that's where the good news ends. Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins' pass defense have allowed the NFL's fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (13.4). Purdy is the 12th-ranked fantasy quarterback in points per game this season, and projections this week are congruent with that number. Consider Purdy a suboptimal play on the QB1/QB2 fence for the fantasy playoffs.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee) and defensive end Robert Beal (ankle) are all questionable for Week 16 in Miami against the Dolphins on Sunday. NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco points out that around 70% of the players the 49ers designate as questionable this year end up playing on game day. Bosa, who returned in the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday after a three-game absence, was limited on Wednesday before being downgraded to a DNP on Thursday. Although he didn't record a sack in his return last week, he did play 72% of the defensive snaps and had two solo tackles and three QB hits. Given the fact that Bosa probably won't be 100% the rest of the year and with the Niners on the brink of being eliminated from the playoffs, Bosa will be extra risky in starting IDP fantasy lineups the rest of the way if he's active.

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) has been ruled out yet again for the Week 16 contest this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against the Miami Dolphins. This will be the fifth straight game that the All-Pro left tackle has missed due to an ankle injury that is taking a lot longer to heal than originally expected. The 36-year-old veteran offensive lineman has also dealt with the tragic death of his son this year, so it's been a rough season for him all around. Given the 49ers' slim chances of making the playoffs with only three regular-season games remaining, there's a good chance we won't se Williams again this year. Jaylon Moore is fully expected to continue starting at left tackle in place of Williams, which is obviously a downgrade for quarterback Brock Purdy and the entire Niners offense. Williams' next chance to suit up will come in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Bay Area, San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's match against the Miami Dolphins. Guerendo was unable to participate in any team practices this week. He entered his Week 14 game with a foot injury and then left it with a hamstring concern. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his status next week as he may be in danger of missing more time. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Patrick Taylor Jr. to lead a depleted San Francisco backfield on Sunday. Throughout the season, he has tallied 50 yards on 14 attempts and brought in one of his two targets for 12 yards. Taylor should be viewed as a high-floor flex option this weekend facing a Miami rushing defense that has allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play in Week 16 versus the hosting Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, according to a source. The Niners' backfield has just been decimated by injuries this year, with Christian McCaffrey (knee), Jordan Mason (ankle) and Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) already out for the season. Guerendo handled himself nicely as the starting RB for San Fran the last two games, carrying the ball 31 times for 135 yards (4.35 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while catching all six of his targets for another 68 yards. Fantasy managers won't have him available for semifinal matchups this week, though, with Patrick Taylor Jr. likely sharing rushing attempts with receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. against Miami. Israel Abanikanda will also likely be available as a backup. Taylor will be an RB3/flex, at best, in fantasy.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) may not be back for the rest of the season. Shanahan said that if Williams was healthy, he would be playing. However, with the 49ers looking unlikely to make the postseason, it's possible we won't see Williams over the final three games of the year. The 36-year-old is also dealing with the tragic death of his son this year, and his recovery from an ankle injury has taken a lot longer than anticipated. Williams has missed each of the team's last four games and missed yet another practice on Wednesday. As things currently stand, we'd be surprised if he was active in Week 16 versus the Miami Dolphins, which is more bad news for a Niners offense that failed to score a touchdown in last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams.

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) is not taking part in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury. The rookie out of Louisville did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday last week due to a foot injury, so it appears he picked up a new ailment in last Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Guerendo handled 100% of the team's running back touches (20) last week, but another injury could result in Patrick Taylor Jr. entering the fantasy football radar. Fantasy managers counting on Guerendo should pick up Taylor as an insurance policy for the fantasy football playoffs. The Dolphins present a neutral matchup for fantasy running backs, so whoever gets the start could have RB1 upside in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. had his woes continue during a 12-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The frustrated former Gamecock caught three of seven targets for 16 yards and took two carries for three yards. Not every unfulfilled target was Samuel Sr.'s fault, but one certainly was. With the game tied midway through the third quarter on a 3rd-and-10 just outside the red zone, Samuel Sr. dropped a wide-open pass on a crossing pattern which would have been a certain first down, and perhaps a touchdown. It doesn't get much cringier than that after he complained about his usage on social media early in the week. Samuel Sr. will carry an average of 4.7 half-PPR points over his last five games into a matchup in Week 16 versus one of the toughest defenses against wide receivers in Miami.

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody went 2-for-2 on field goals during Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams. His conversions came from 47 and 53 yards out, giving some fantasy managers yardage-based scoring boosts. Moody's six points represented the entirety of the Niners' scoring on Thursday Night Football as they fell to the Rams, 12-6. Although this was a frustrating outcome for San Francisco, it's promising to see that Moody's fantasy value can survive even when the offense struggles to find a rhythm. The 25-year-old now ranks 12th among kickers in fantasy points per game this year, making him a fringe option for managers heading into the 49ers' Week 16 battle against the Miami Dolphins.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings caught just two of his nine targets against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, finishing Week 15 with 31 yards through the air. He managed to lead the team in targets while finishing second to George Kittle in receiving yards. Thursday's loss to the Rams was a rough showing for the Niners, who mustered just two field goals and zero touchdowns on primetime television. That led to a rare dud game from Jennings, who had not previously recorded fewer than nine fantasy points (PPR) since taking over as the de facto No. 1 wide receiver following Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending knee injury. Despite Thursday's frustrating performance, Jennings appears to still be the 49ers' No. 1 wide receiver as he continues to get more looks in the passing game than Deebo Samuel Sr. However, fantasy managers should proceed with caution ahead of next week's matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall caught just one of his four targets during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, finishing Week 15 with 16 yards. The rookie pass-catcher has struggled to emerge as a relevant option in redraft leagues given his No. 3 role behind Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings. The 24-year-old has just 13 catches for 153 yards this year, and most of that production came in a singular game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in Week 10. As long as Pearsall remains third on the depth chart, he should be benched or left on waivers in fantasy football. That trend continues next week against the Miami Dolphins, who have been quite stingy against opposing wide receivers in 2024.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught four of his seven targets for a team-best 61 yards during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Even as the 49ers struggled to mount scoring drives in this primetime divisional battle, Kittle found ways to get involved to salvage his fantasy performance. The 31-year-old now has double-digit fantasy points in point-per-reception scoring in 10 of his 12 games, ranking as the overall TE2 in fantasy football. He's on pace to have his second-best fantasy season ever, giving managers a major boost down the stretch and potentially helping them advance in the fantasy playoffs. Kittle should continue to be started in all leagues when the 49ers take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 16.

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo was inefficient during a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara on Thursday night. There was some question coming into the game about whether Guerendo -- who spent the week questionable with a foot injury -- could fulfill head coach Kyle Shanahan's typical bell cow usage. Guerendo answered those questions emphatically by taking 16 of San Francisco's 18 carries, but he struggled to make them count, finishing with 57 yards and no touchdowns. He also caught all four of his targets for 18 yards, keeping his night in line with fantasy projections in PPR leagues. Assuming no aggravation of his injury, the fourth-rounder will be in play for lineups in Week 16 versus the Dolphins in Miami, who have been a mildly favorable matchup for running backs this season.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy never got much going during a deflating 12-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Purdy finished 14-for-31 for 142 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He scrambled once for three yards. While the Rams' secondary made more than a few nice plays on the ball, Purdy struggled with accuracy in this one. Bad throws may have been understandable during a rainy first half but they continued even after the rain had stopped. It's hard to trust Purdy as a fantasy asset moving forward, as he has now sandwiched a productive game between two week-killing games. Purdy-starting managers who somehow survive to see another round in the fantasy playoffs should consider quarterback shopping after this weekend, as he'll draw two tough matchups coming up. He'll get the Dolphins in Miami next week and the Lions at home in Week 17.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) are both officially active for Thursday night's contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Bosa came into Week 15 listed as questionable but will end his absence at three games. It's great news for the 49ers' pass rush going up against a high-powered Rams offense, but fantasy managers in IDP formats should seriously consider leaving the 27-year-old All-Pro on your bench. Both Bosa and Greenlaw are expected to be on a strict snap count in their return from respective injuries. Greenlaw will especially eased in for his 2024 debut after tearing his Achilles in the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers defensive unit, which hasn't been as strong this season, will be a fringe starting unit against a Rams offense that put up 44 points on the Buffalo Bills last week.