Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 5th, 2024, 4:25 ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Network: FOX
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Joshua Dobbs: Sit
The return of the Passtronaut in Week 18 is sure to be fun, but Joshua Dobbs isn’t a strong start in Week 18. There’s too much risk involved in playing someone we haven’t seen for essentially the entire season. This feels like a game in which we see the 49ers’ run game dominate the workload.
Running Back
Isaac Guerendo: Start, RB2
Based on practice reports, it appears that Isaac Guerendo will be healthy enough to start in Week 18. Guerendo has been excellent this season when called upon and will finish the year against the Cardinals, who allow 4.62 yards per carry to opposing backs. Guerendo is a great play this week and can deliver top-10 value if the 49ers decide to roll with him all game.
Wide Receiver
Jauan Jennings: FLEX Option, WR3
Deebo Samuel: FLEX Option, WR3*
Ricky Pearsall: FLEX Option, WR4
With Dobbs at quarterback, it’s looking like a rough week for 49ers receivers. We’ll give Jauan Jennings the highest ranking here as the most likely receiver to be Dobbs’ go-to target, especially if Kittle ends up sitting this week. Deebo Samuel is dealing with an injury of his own and may also sit in the season finale, but he would be a decent FLEX option if he plays, given the likelihood of a few designed run plays. Ricky Pearsall would only be a deep-league FLEX option in either case this week.
Tight End
George Kittle: Start, TE1*
If he plays, George Kittle should once again be a QB-proof TE1. However, that’s a big if after getting in a limited session on Thursday. There’s a decent chance Kittle sits to avoid a chance of injury, and if he does, there are no other 49ers TEs worth starting in this one.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray: Start, QB1
Yup, we’re going back to this well. There are plenty of QBs resting this week, which means Kyler Murray gets to stay in our top-12 QBs to end the season. Murray’s rushing upside hasn’t been as high as we’d like to see this year, but it still gives him a relatively high floor that makes him a decent play this week, especially if Nick Bosa sits. You likely don’t have a much better option than him, but I would still take Bo Nix over Murray this week, for example.
Running Back
Michael Carter: Start, RB2
DeeJay Dallas: Sit
With James Conner and Trey Benson both landing on IR, Michael Carter is likely to lead the backfield for Arizona once again in Week 18. Carter was impressive in Week 17, earning 70 yards on 13 carries. The 49ers surprisingly allow the sixth-most points to RBs, and with Dobbs at QB, the Cardinals have a decent chance to take an early lead and ride the ground game. Consider Carter a strong RB2 play this week.
Wide Receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr.: FLEX Option, WR3
To his credit, Marvin Harrison Jr. is still putting together a decent rookie season, though his numbers pale in comparison to the likes of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Consider MHJ a decent FLEX option in the season finale, though there is a low floor to go along with his high ceiling. We’ve seen both of those show up multiple times this season.
Tight End
Trey McBride: Start, TE1
Finally, a no-brainer. Trey McBride FINALLY found the end zone in Week 17 and remains the focal point of this offense. He’s a top-2 option this week alongside Brock Bowers.