Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 6, 2024, 4:05 ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Network: FOX
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray: Start, QB1
Kyler Murray struggled against a Commanders defense that has been beatable this season. He was not able to get anything going on the ground and ultimately is trending down as the season continues. Murray faces a gauntlet of matchups that doesn’t let up until Week 16. The Cardinals may need to be playing catchup in this one which helps Murray land in the middle of the QB1 tier (QB7) this week.
Running Back
James Conner: Start, RB2
Trey Benson: Sit
James Conner is unquestionably the workhorse running back for the Arizona Cardinals right now. Conner is my RB14 on the week as he faces the 49ers allowing the sixth-fewest yards to opposing running backs. Volume is the hope with Conner this week. The one obstacle we need to see Conner overcome if he is going to get back on track is his usage in the passing game. The silver lining for Conner is that Trey Benson is essentially a non-factor for the Cardinals thus far.
Wide Receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr.: Start, WR1
Michael Wilson: Sit
Greg Dortch: Sit
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s talent is evident. He lands as the WR13 in full PPR leagues right now and should continue to find the endzone in 2024. As the offense adapts and he is used in more versatile ways, the ceiling is way higher than what we have seen so far for the former Buckeye. Michael Wilson is not someone I trust quite yet in my lineups, but he should be on benches in most leagues. I like the talent though and he is worth a bench stash in deep leagues.
Tight End
Trey McBride: Start, TE1
Trey McBride has not fully been removed from the concussion protocol but he has gotten in limited practices. I expect that he will clear in time and suit up in Week 5. This is a situation to monitor but if he does suit up he is facing a Niners defense that has allowed the third-fewest points to tight ends. McBride is my TE9 for this week in large part due to the low-performing competition at the position.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: Start, QB1
Brock Purdy is an accurate passer and one of the more steady signal callers in the NFL right now. He has a strong supporting cast even without Christian McCaffrey and faces a Cardinals defense allowing over 200 passing yards a game and the seventh most points to opposing quarterbacks.
Running Back
Jordan Mason: Start, RB1
Jordan Mason continues to impress for the Niners. He is averaging 126 total yards per game and is currently the RB5 in full-point PPR leagues. The Cardinals have allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Mason enters the week as my RB2 on the week as he hasn’t played less than 75% of snaps in any game this season. If you spent big on Mason it has paid off and looks to be a league-winning move as he is not relinquishing the job anytime soon.
Wide Receiver
Brandon Aiyuk: Start, WR1
Deebo Samuel: Start, WR2
Jauan Jennings: FLEX Option
Brandon Aiyuk has yet to return on his ADP this season. He has had a very slow start to the season, not being able to eclipse 50 yards in the first four weeks. Aiyuk’s time is coming. He is one of the best separators in the league and you can expect him to get on track soon., I have him as my WR11 this week against a very beatable Arizona Cardinals secondary. Deebo Samuel should also be able to get his in this one in his second game back from injury. I wouldn’t quite yet expect peak Deebo but it should be coming soon. Expect him to get close to his full complement of snaps and wreak havoc both as a receiver and potentially a runner alongside Jordan Mason. Jauan Jennings’ time in the sun is probably over now that both Deebo Samuel and George Kittle have returned. Jennings is a much better NFL player than he is a fantasy one unless someone were to miss time.
Tight End
George Kittle: Start, TE1
George Kittle was phenomenal in his return from injury. He only recorded 45 receiving yards but had a highlight reel touchdown. The only question is his health as he is now dealing with a rib injury. He did not practice Wednesday so pay close attention to his status. If he doesn’t suit up Jennings gets a boost and you are avoiding the 49ers’ other tight end options.