Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, November 21st at 8:15 PM ET
Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ
Betting Odds: SF -8, 43.5 Total on Oddsshark
Network: ESPN
Writer: Justin Herrera (@semtexmex93 on Twitter)
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo (Start, QB2)
Jimmy Garoppolo looks like a QB2 every week, and with the weapon he has, he should continue to present that floor with a QB1 ceiling. Since taking over for the injured Trey Lance, Garoppolo has had only one week outside of the top 24. Also, since the Christian McCaffrey trade, Jimmy G has averaged 16.9 fantasy points per game and has been playing pretty much mistake-free (only one interception). The Cardinals have been a team to pick apart through the air allowing an average of 21.1 fantasy points to the last four quarterbacks. The Arizona defense allows 25.8 points per game and 247.1 passing yards per game. Garoppolo has averaged 259 yards per game since the arrival of CMC and the elevation of the 49ers’ offense. I expect this game to dictate by whoever is quarterbacking on the other side. If we get Kyler, there’s a higher chance Jimmy G throwing for 250-300 yards will be necessary, but if it’s Colt McCoy, I can see the Niners using a heavy run gameplan. Either way, I think Garoppolo gives you a QB2 role and is startable.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey (Start, RB1), Elijah Mitchell (Start, High-End Flex)
Christian McCaffrey has fantasy players scrambling to “sell high,” I think that’s the wrong call. CMC had 63.8% of snaps on Sunday Night Football, but the usage of the returning Elijah Mitchell has many worried about his fantasy value. McCaffrey will still be the goal line back and garner the vast majority of the teams’ targets. As far as taking away his touches, this seems like it’ll push him into a role of more valuable quality targets rather than quantity. The Cardinals have struggled against the run this year, allowing 4.5 yards per carry and 8.3 yards per reception. This opens up an avenue for both RBs to be successful this week. Mitchell rushed for 89 yards on 18 carries while getting seven red zone touches. I think both have start written all over them. CMC should be considered an RB1, and Mitchell a high-end flex with RB2 upside.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Brandon Aiyuk (Start, WR2), Deebo Samuel (Start, WR3), George Kittle (Start, TE1)
Brandon Aiyuk has some upside from now on in 2022. He’s averaged the fourth most separation yards on average (2.25), which means he’s been the best option downfield for the 49ers. Aiyuk has averaged 19 fantasy points per game since Week 6, and he gets the Cardinals this week. Arizona has averaged 19.4 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. If anyone on this offense can surprise you with a WR1 performance, its Aiyuk. Look for him to start this week as a WR2.
Deebo Samuel has had a rough season, between injuries and losing touches to Aiyuk. Samuel has one WR1 performance this year and has been out of the WR3 conversation. Deebo did have six targets last week but could not get his game going. The Niners need to get him going soon, and this might be a good week to open up the screen game with Deebo. Start him as a WR3 this week.
George Kittle had three straight weeks of TE1 performances. Last week he had only two targets but caught his one reception for 21 yards, showing his big play ability. This could be a big week for Kittle as the Cardinals have allowed the second most fantasy point to tight ends (12.3), while allowing the most touchdown to the position (7). Kittle was drafted to be a TE1, so start him as one this week.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray (Start, QB1)
Kyler Murray‘s worst performance this year was QB22. This guy is good regardless of his team, the Cardinals have been bad this year, but Murray has seven QB1 performances out of nine weeks. Obviously, the Niners are a good team against the QB position, allowing only 13.9 points per game. One of the major asterisks on their record has been the drumming that Pat Mahomes put on them. Murray has Mahomes’ upside and a common knowledge of his division rival. If he starts on Monday, he should be considered a QB1 in Week 11.
Colt McCoy could get the start on Monday if Murray gets held out with a hamstring again this week. McCoy had an impressive performance last week against a beat-up LA Rams unit. Throwing for 2238 yards and a touchdown, but if he’s the QB this week, then I’m going to sit him this week.
Running Backs
James Conner (Sit)
James Conner had a big comeback game last week, rushing for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Conner should be locked in for more touches this week, with Eno Benjamin released this week. Last week the 49ers made Austin Ekeler’s life rough, only allowing 13.3 fantasy points to him. Conner had his best game against the 49ers the last season in Week 9, going for 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This year might be a little more difficult, with the 49ers only allowing 12 fantasy points per game to the RB position. I’m sitting Conner this week.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
De’Andre Hopkins (Start, WR1), Rondale Moore (Start, High-End Flex), Trey McBride (Sit)
De’Andre Hopkins has three games with 13 or more targets, and last week with McCoy at QB wasn’t different. Regardless of his quarterback, he’s going to get the majority of the team’s targets in just about every game. Last week he caught ten passes for 98 yards and finished WR12 on the week. Look for Hopkins to continue his target share this week against the Niners. Start him as your WR1 this week.
Rondale Moore is running 43.5% of his snaps from the slot and has seen great success this year in that position. In the last three games, he’s averaged ten targets/game and has finished top 24 in each outing. Moore will draw an opponent that allows wide receivers 21.5 fantasy points per game. Moore poses an interesting challenge for the Niners’ secondary, and I think he’ll be a great high-end flex this week.
Trey McBride was the best rookie tight-end prospect in the draft this year. The problem with starting him this week is that he has to play a 49ers defense that has allowed only 4.8 fantasy points per game against tight ends. This is a good week to pick up McBride but not start him.