Rams @ 49ers
Game Info
Kickoff: Saturday, December 21st at 8:15 PM EST
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Betting Odds: NE -6.5, 45 total via Oddsshark
Network: NFL Network
Sleeper Spotlight: Brandin Cooks
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback:
- Jared Goff (Sit)
In their last matchup, Jared Goff threw for 78 yards on 13 attempts. Richard Sherman was in the lineup for that game and will likely be out this week, but I’m not betting on Goff if I’m in a championship matchup this week. My opponent in one of my random leagues picked Goff up and started him this week. I’m very excited about it. Mr. Lucky, if you’re reading this please keep Goff in there!
With that said, Goff does have all of his weapons back (sorry, I’m not counting Gerald Everett as a legitimate weapon) and San Francisco has been worse against the pass in recent weeks. I would rank Goff in the middle of the pack this week but I think you can find better options on the wire (Fitzmagic).
Running Backs:
- Todd Gurley (Sit/Flex)
Gurley scored two TDs last week and had he not I imagine a lot of you would be out by now. He averaged 1.82 yards per attempt against Dallas and dropped multiple wide open passes. He’s not running with confidence right now and I wouldn’t want to rely on him this week against the third-best defense against opposing RBs. While the normal fantasy mantra is to start your studs, this time of year it’s all about matchups and momentum and Gurley has neither of those in his favor this week. Slot him in as a flex option if you have to, otherwise, you should look elsewhere.
Wide Receivers/Tight End:
- Cooper Kupp (WR2)
- Robert Woods (WR2)
- Brandin Cooks (Sleeper)
- Tyler Higbee (TE1)
San Francisco will likely be without Richard Sherman which is a huge advantage for all of these guys. I still think the 49ers will give Goff fits which will limit how effective the receivers will be, but if Goff can dink and dunk as he did in garbage time against Dallas one or two of these guys could have really good days. My money would be on Cooper Kupp or Tyler Higbee simply because they’ve been Goff’s safety nets this year, but after 8 targets last week my sleeper pick would be Brandin Cooks. He’s healthy and getting looks again and may be available in your league. He’s cheap in DFS this week and I’m slotting him in where I can. If you’re desperate for a WR this week and you missed out on the Breshad Perriman waiver sweepstakes, Cooks is available in 30% of ESPN leagues and may help win you a championship.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback:
- Jimmy Garoppolo (QB2)
The Rams defense got torched last week in Dallas and their defense has struggled against capable offenses all season. Jimmy G had a decent game against the Rams in Week 6, throwing for 243 yards on 24 completions. He didn’t throw for any touchdowns but I think we could see a similar line with a touchdown or two sprinkled in. He’ll be efficient with the ball and if he can avoid the bad interception that has plagued him for most of the season he should lead the 49ers and your team to a win this week.
Running Backs:
- Raheem Mostert (RB2)
- Tevin Coleman (Sit)
- Matt Breida (Sit)
Mostert is the guy to trust in this backfield and after what Zeke/Tony Pollard did last week I’m trusting Mostert to have another solid game. LA is giving up 19.5 fantasy points per game to RBs and with Mostert getting the lions to share of the carries recently he’s an RB2 this week. Coleman and Breida are both talented backs but I wouldn’t trust them in a championship matchup.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:
- Emmanuel Sanders (Flex)
- Deebo Samuel (Flex)
- George Kittle (Start)
We all know to start George Kittle this week, but what about Sanders and Deebo? Here is their target share in their last four games:
Sanders: 1, 6, 9, 4 = 20
Deebo: 2, 4, 8, 3 = 17
While it’s close, I’ll usually take the guy with more targets 10/10 times, though the Jalen Ramsey factor certainly comes into play here. Last week we didn’t get to see what the Rams pass defense could do because the Cowboys ran it down their throats all day, but they do still have a lot of talent in the secondary that can hold these two talented receivers in check. If I had to start one it would be Deebo Samuel simply because I think Ramsey matches up on Sanders most of the night, but it’s a toss-up between the two.
-Ben Brown (@FelixTheDog23 Twitter, iamatechnician Reddit)
Richard Sherman has been a full participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday this week and is expected to play this weekend by SF’s beat writers. Why do you believe he is unlikely to play?
Hi Aaron, I too graduated from Kennesaw College (1981) and grew up in Smyrna. I am very active in fantasy with over 60 teams. I own a sports memorabilia business that publishes a small circulation magazine (catalog). I love your weekly analysis and I look to you for start/sit decisions, and I am winning. Thanks for the help. I am also working on a book on fantasy sports. I would love to chat. You are welcome to email me to start a discussion. Also I am a major Atlanta sports fan since 1966, and I did attend the worst game in Braves history this past September, the final game.