Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 30, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
Network: CBS
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: STARTABLE in Superflex, QB2
Brock Purdy‘s performance against the Panthers on “Monday Night Football” was a Woof with a capital W. Purdy threw interceptions on three consecutive drives in the first half, a departure from his solid three-TD performance against Arizona. Purdy now has multiple interceptions in three of four games started and now gets a matchup against a smothering Browns defense. Start him if you must in Superflex leagues, but I’m avoiding in single-QB formats.
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey: START, RB1
Brian Robinson Jr.: SIT
Isaac Guerendo: SIT
Death, taxes, and starting Christian McCaffrey. Even against the Browns’ defense.
Wide Receiver
Ricky Pearsall: FLEX, WR4
Kendrick Bourne: SIT
Jauan Jennings: START, WR3
Things haven’t gone Ricky Pearsall‘s way since returning from injury, tallying just 6 yards on as many targets in the past two games. Still, the intent to get him the ball is there, as he was the target on two of Purdy’s interceptions, including one in the end zone. The breakout probably isn’t coming in this difficult matchup, however, as Cleveland has allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards on the year. Jauan Jennings is worth a start in your WR3 or flex spot, as he’s been heavily involved and scored in three of his last four games. His nine red-zone targets are tied with George Kittle for the team lead.
Tight End
George Kittle: START, TE1
The Kittle-Purdy connection is a very real thing. In two games since Purdy has returned, George Kittle has caught 12 passes on 16 targets for 145 yards and two touchdowns. He’s an auto-start, even against this stingy defense.
Defense/Special Teams
San Francisco 49ers: START
Shedeur Sanders.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders: SIT
In the midst of writing this blurb, Shedeur Sanders was named the Browns’ starting QB over Dillon Gabriel, despite the latter clearing concussion protocol. Sanders offers moderately higher upside for Browns’ pass catchers over Gabriel due to his willingness to attempt to push the ball downfield. Sanders still looked very much like a rookie against the Raiders, with much of his production coming on a screen pass that Dylan Sampson took to the house, but he did hit Isaiah Bond for another long gain. Sanders still shouldn’t be anywhere near your starting lineups, even in Superflex formats.
Running Back
Quinshon Judkins: START, RB2
Dylan Sampson: SIT
The story of Quinshon Judkins is a perplexing one. Judkins has a valuable role in the Browns’ offense, taking the bulk of the backfield work, including 75% of the team’s carries inside the 5-yard line. Judkins has also earned 61.9% of his yards after contact, showing his relative inefficiency is largely due to teams being able to stack the box and focus on stopping the Cleveland run game. Perhaps the QB change will free up some room to run for Judkins, who remains a solid RB2 this week against a middling Niners run defense that is tied for allowing the highest successful run rate in the league at 54.8%. While Dylan Sampson got some work in as Judkins was checked for a concussion, including the impressive catch-and-run for Sanders’ first NFL touchdown, he remains a distant second in this backfield. Still a solid bench stash if you have the room, especially in dynasty formats.
Wide Receiver
Jerry Jeudy: SIT
Cedric Tillman: SIT
Isaiah Bond: SIT
Jerry Jeudy made a catastrophic mistake last week, fumbling the ball on his only reception of the day when it appeared he was trying to juke the air itself. He has been held under 51 yards in all but two games this season. Isaiah Bond was the leading receiver in this group, but neither he nor Cedric Tillman should be trusted in this offense.
Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr.: START, TE1-2 borderline
David Njoku: SIT
If there’s one Cleveland pass catcher worth starting, it’s rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Fannin led the team with a 30% target share in Week 12 and should stay involved against San Francisco. The offense caps his upside, but his reliable role is crucial for his position and keeps him on the TE1-2 border. David Njoku, on the other hand, wasn’t targeted last week and is firmly in the touchdown-or-bust category of TEs. My money’s on bust this week.
Defense/Special Teams
Cleveland Browns: START
It’s a cautious start given the matchup, but Cleveland is allowing the second-fewest yards per game this season. Oh, and it is also second in sacks with 42, thanks to a guy named Myles Garrett.