49ers at Seahawks
Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 29th at 8:20 pm ET
Location: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Betting Odds: SF -3.5, 47 Total via Oddsshark
Network: NBC
Sleeper Spotlight: Marshawn Lynch
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback:
- Jimmy Garoppolo (Sit)
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is currently the QB14 in fantasy scoring on the season but he’s still just 21st in points per game. While he has played well against below-average opponents, as expected, he has struggled in tough matchups. This week, on the road, in the toughest of stadiums, the matchup looks too difficult to risk in the fantasy playoffs. The Niners need to win this game but there is a low Vegas total that implies that the game will be low scoring. Jimmy G has been a fringe fantasy starter but he should be avoided this week.
Running Backs:
- Raheem Mostert (Start/Flex)
- Tevin Coleman (Sit)
Since taking over the role of lead back in San Francisco, Niners running back Raheem Mostert has taken control of this backfield. However, the role is still not a high volume one. Mostert does lead the team in carries in the second half of the season but he’s only received over 14 carries. While he has played well, that kind of volume is not enough to rely on for a strong second fantasy running back. Mostert should be in your flex spot but as the team will run the ball early and often.
Tevin Coleman is not receiving many carries recently, five or less in three straight games, and should be on your bench if he’s still owned. While Coleman may see the increased opportunity this week, the risk could bring down your team.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends:
- Emmanuel Sanders (Start/Flex)
- Deebo Samuel (Sit)
- Kendrick Bourne (Sit)
- George Kittle (Start/TE1)
The Niners rushing attack is the highest volume unit in the league, with the team setting up everything they do via the run. With the best receiving option at tight end, it’s easy to see why the Niners receiver corps are difficult to forecast. Emmanuel Sanders will again be the lead receiver, he is no more than a flex play because of his inconsistency. I can see the team riding the veteran for big plays in a crucial game.
The second receiver in San Fran has relied on touchdowns to produce for fantasy lineups. This week should be a time to sit both Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne.
Everyone knows that the 49ers receiving corps runs through the tight end position and George Kittle and that won’t change this week. If there is a position that the Seahawks cannot defend it is the tight end. In recent weeks dynamic tight ends from Los Angeles and Philadelphia have had their way. If the Niners are to win Sunday night, they will do so through Kittle. Expect a big game.
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback:
- Russell Wilson (Start/QB1)
In recent weeks Seahawks quarterback, Russel Wilson has cooled off from his torrid pace to start the season. Wilson was playing with a level of efficiency that was difficult to sustain and his play corrected itself. Still, Wilson is QB6 on the season heading into this game and a sure Qb1 play this week. Wilson plays big on the biggest stage and injuries at running back may force him to throw more than usual.
Running Backs:
- Marshawn Lynch (Start/RB2)
Recent season-ending injuries to Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and C.J. Prosise have forced the Seahawks to the free-agent market to sign a familiar name: Marshawn Lynch. Beast Mode is back in his first game since Week 6 of 2018. Lynch was off to a hot start at the start of 2018 until missing the rest of the season with a groin injury. No one knows exactly how Lynch will hold up this time around but Lynch should be psyched and ready for this Sunday night matchup. If you are an owner who lost Carson last week or is looking for a shot in the dark, Lynch is the type of player that will come up huge on Sunday night.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends:
- Tyler Lockett (Start/WR2)
- D.K. Metcalf (Sit)
- Jacob Hollister (Start/TE Premium leagues)
After a blistering start to 2019, receiver Tyler Lockett has come back down to earth. Lockett has topped 50 yards just once six weeks, a huge Week 15 game against Carolina. Lockett is still receiving the volume and among the leaders in air yards, he has just struggled to convert like he did at the start of the season. This week, in the biggest game of the year, expect Lockett to show up big.
The Seahawks’ struggles passing the ball have also led to DK Metcalf’s slow second half. Metcalf was used as a deep threat early in the year but in recent weeks he has received more throws closer to the line of scrimmage, an area where he struggles due to his lack of lateral agility. Metcalf is a dynamic playmaker but he value is limited if the team is not taking full advantage. He’s a player owner cannot trust, despite his immense upside.
The Niners rank inside the top seven teams in defending the tight end position but in recent weeks, as injuries have piled on the defense, the team has been vulnerable to the position. After two solid performances at mid-season, Jacob Hollister has all but disappeared in recent weeks. However, owners playing in tight end premium leagues this weekend should see if Hollister is available. Hollister has received consistent targets, he just needs to find the endzone to payoff this week.
-Marc Salazar (@dingwog)