Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Network: AMZN
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: START, Borderline QB1* OUT for Week 5
Michael McCorkle “Mac” Jones: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)
At the time of writing, Brock Purdy had yet to practice and was questionable for Thursday Night Football in a tilt with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have held most quarterbacks in check this season, with just Jalen Hurts throwing for more than one touchdown against them. Allowing the 10th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, Purdy is a borderline start in 1QB leagues if active. It’s the Mac Jones show once again in San Fran. He’s startable in Superflex considering the byes. But you’re better off looking elsewhere if possible.
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey: START, RB1
Brian Robinson Jr.: SIT
You don’t need me to tell you to start Christian McCaffrey. But did you know he shares a birthday (June 7) with “SNL” alum Bill Hader?
Wide Receiver
Ricky Pearsall: START, WR3 OUT for Week 5
Jauan Jennings: START, WR3 OUT for Week 5
Demarcus Robinson: SIT
Kendrick Bourne: SIT
Marquez Valdez-Scantling: SIT
At the time of writing, neither Ricky Pearsall nor Jauan Jennings had practiced ahead of their TNF matchup with the Rams. If they are active, they’ll both slot in as WR3s regardless of who’s under center for the 49ers. The Rams have allowed over 100 receiving yards just once this season, but have given up five receiving touchdowns in the past three games. There’s a solid chance at least one of them scores.
You’re not starting any of the skeleton crew receivers the 49ers are trotting out against the Rams.
Tight End
Jake Tonges: SIT
Despite scoring his second touchdown of the season in Week 4, Jake Tonges isn’t on the streaming radar. The Rams have held every tight end they’ve faced, not named Tyler Warren, to 35 or fewer receiving yards and allowed just one tight end to score.
Defense/Special Teams
San Francisco 49ers: SIT
The 49ers rank in the bottom five in both turnovers and sacks. They’re not a fantasy-relevant defense.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford: SIT, QB2 (startable in Superflex)
Coming off his best game of the season and throwing for multiple touchdowns in each of his last three, Matthew Stafford‘s back is holding up for now. While the Niners’ defense hasn’t done much in the turnover or sacks department, it has held opposing quarterbacks to the second-fewest fantasy points per game. I’m avoiding Stafford in 1QB leagues if I can, but throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams makes just about anybody startable in Superflex. Even you.
Running Back
Kyren Williams: START, RB1
Blake Corum: SIT
Although Kyren Williams‘ team rushing percentage is down about 10% from 2024, he’s still handling a commanding 63.6% of the work. Blake Corum‘s attempts have increased every single week, starting with one in Week 1 and elevating to nine in Week 4. Williams is still a volume-based RB1 for the time being, but he’s borderline for Week 5 in a tough matchup against the 49ers. If Corum continues to gain a larger share of the backfield work as the season progresses, he could become flex viable. He’s a stash, not a start.
Wide Receiver
Puka Nacua: START, WR1
Davante Adams: START, WR1
Tutu Atwell: SIT
You don’t need me to tell you to start Puka Nacua. But did you know he shares a birthday (May 29) with basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony? Davante Adams is nearing “fun fact” status for this series, but he’s not quite there yet. Nacua and Adams account for over 60% of the team’s target share, and Adams has nine of the team’s 11 end-zone targets. Even in a difficult matchup, Adams is a WR1 in Week 5.
Tight End
Tyler Higbee: SIT
#BenchtheBee
Defense/Special Teams
Los Angeles Rams: START
The Rams are holding opposing offenses to just over 20 points per game, and their seven turnovers are tied for fourth-most in the league. No Brock Purdy. No Ricky Pearsall. No Jauan Jennings. No George Kittle. Los Angeles should feast.