San Francisco 49ers @ Cleveland Browns
Final Score: 49ers 26, Browns 8
Writer: Pranav Babarjung
A windy game in Cleveland and a one-score game in the first half somehow turned into the Browns being shut out in the second. The overall offensive stat lines for each team were actually comparable, but special teams misplays cost Cleveland. A 66-yard punt return by Skyy Moore and a muffed punt by Gage Larvadain set up two short touchdown drives for the 49ers, and the defense was able to hold on to the lead to secure the win.
Three Up
- Jauan Jennings — Jennings was the most targeted 49ers pass catcher and nabbed his fifth touchdown of the year.
- Quinshon Judkins — The Browns were content to continuously pound the rock, and Judkins was relied on, even when the game was out of reach.
- Brock Purdy — Despite a low-volume passing game, Purdy put up a respectable fantasy performance with a passing and rushing touchdown.
Two Down
- Ricky Pearsall — With Jennings and George Kittle back and healthy, Pearsall once again didn’t see enough volume to be a startable option.
- David Njoku — Njoku only saw two targets. Harold Fannin Jr. is the tight end to own in Cleveland.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: 16/29, 168 Yards, TD | 2 Carries, 4 Yards, TD
Brock Purdy‘s decent showing came off a low-volume passing day. With the interception issues he has had in weeks prior and the strong winds, it was clear that he was deliberately being more careful with the ball. Purdy was pressured often, taking seven hits and 3 sacks, but played safe even while scrambling.
Mac Jones: 2 Carries, 2 Yards
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey: 20 Carries, 53 Yards, TD | 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 21 Yards | 0/1
What else is really there left to say about Christian McCaffrey? He logged another game with at least 20 touches and a touchdown, in addition to the 49ers’ offense relying heavily on him to be able to keep the chains moving. He wasn’t too efficient Sunday, but had a decent showing thanks to the early touchdown.
Brian Robinson Jr. : 8 Carries, 26 Yards
Brian Robinson Jr. maintained his role as the change-of-pace back, and remains a high-upside handcuff option should CMC go down.
Kyle Juszczyk: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 27 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
George Kittle : 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 67 Yards
George Kittle led the 49ers’ passing attack in receiving yards. Purdy’s trust in him was evident, connecting on a 33-yard pass with 14 seconds left in the half to set up a go-ahead field goal. This offense just functions better when Kittle is healthy and he remains a must-start weekly option.
Jauan Jennings: 6 Targets, 4 Receptions, 39 Yards, TD
Jauan Jennings had a decent outing because of the receiving touchdown. He led the 49ers in targets, and was targeted for the (unsuccessful) 2-point conversion following his touchdown as well. Jennings seemed to be the clear lead wide receiver in this passing attack even with Ricky Pearsall in the mix.
Ricky Pearsall: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards
Ricky Pearsall seemingly only had early-season value because he was the only option. He did get a red-zone target, but was covered. Unless Jennings misses time, Pearsall is a risky start.
Demarcus Robinson: 1 Target, 0 Receptions | 1 Carry, 6 Yards
Kendrick Bourne: 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Luke Farrell: 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders: 16/25, 149 Yards, TD | 1 Carry, 6 Yards
In a game where the rushing attack was heavily featured, Shedeur Sanders had an underwhelming fantasy performance. His inexperience at the NFL level showed when his first-read option was not available and he had to make a decision on the fly. Sanders was not afraid of the deep ball, even in the wind, and was able to hit a wide-open Harold Fannin Jr. for the score. In an easier matchup and better weather, he could be an interesting streaming option.
Dillon Gabriel: 1/1, 0 Yards
Dillon Gabriel just subbed in after Sanders took a big hit.
Running Back
Quinshon Judkins: 23 Carries, 91 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 18 Yards
The leading rookie rusher adds another 109 scrimmage yards under his belt. Even in a low-scoring offense, Quinshon Judkins‘ volume kept him relevant and arguably a must-start option. He had no huge breakaway plays, but consistently rushed for just under 4 YPC.
Dylan Sampson: 4 Carries, 23 Yards
Dylan Sampson only had four touches before going down with a calf injury.
Jerome Ford: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 17 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr.: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 43 Yards, TD
Harold Fannin Jr. was the clear top tight end, leading the team in targets and yards. Most of the fantasy production came from the long touchdown, but the targets are encouraging.
Jerry Jeudy: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 26 Yards
Jerry Jeudy continued to disappoint fantasy owners (if there were any left) with only three receptions.
Isaiah Bond: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 18 Yards | 1 Carry, 9 Yards
Isaiah Bond‘s missed target was a 40-yard end-zone shot that got caught by the wind.
Gage Larvadain: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 23 Yards, Fumble (LOST)
David Njoku: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 4 Yards
Malachi Corley: 1 Carry, 9 Yards
Cedric Tillman: 1 Targets, 0 Receptions