San Francisco 49ers 2022 Fantasy Outlook: Jimmy Garoppolo Era Appears to Be Over

The San Francisco 49ers rode the legs and arms of WR Deebo Samuel in 2021 to a second journey to the postseason in three years. However, in the end, their lack of quarterback play led San Fran one recreation in need of a Tremendous Bowl berth. This season, QB Trey Lance will get his probability to run the offense and exhibit his 2021 first-round draft pedigree. RB Elijah Mitchell flashed in his first 12 months within the NFL, however he should show he can keep wholesome and deal with a heavy early-down alternative. As well as, San Francisco has a rising protection and two different sturdy receiving choices (WR Brandon Aiyuk and TE George Kittle). The 49ers will probably be within the warmth of the battle once more in 2022.

Offense
San Francisco needs to run the ball, and that chance ought to solely enhance with Lance anticipated to start out this 12 months. They’ve a superb mix of front-line receivers, and WR Samuel introduced the run to an entire new degree over the second half of final season.

Quarterbacks

Trey Lance — click on right here for fantasy projections

Jimmy Garoppolo
Coming into 2022, Garoppolo will probably be delayed on account of surgical procedure on his proper shoulder in March. He completed final season with energy in his completion price (68.3) and his yards per move try (8.6). Garoppolo has been a successful quarterback (33-14) for the Patriots and 49ers.

Over his last 9 video games final 12 months (together with the postseason), he handed for two,233 yards (248 per recreation) with solely 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Within the playoffs, Garoppolo gained 540 yards in three matchups with two touchdowns and three interceptions. His completion price (58.1) was a transparent signal that his shoulder wasn’t wholesome. When at his finest, he handed for over 300 yards in 5 contests whereas failing to ship greater than two scores in any recreation.

Fantasy outlook: The 49ers need Lance to start out, however Garoppolo may emerge at any second if Lance struggles. On the very least, he will probably be a handcuff to Lance, however Garoppolo nonetheless gained’t be a fascinating fantasy starter.

Different choices: Nate Sudfeld, Brock Purdy

Working Backs
Over three earlier seasons, the 49ers’ operating backs scored a mixed 60 speeding touchdowns. They proceed to achieve greater than the league common in yards per carry (4.6). Nevertheless, the adjustments at operating again final season led to a step again in probabilities within the passing recreation (82/647/2 on 98 targets).

Elijah Mitchell
To the dismay of fantasy drafters targeted on Trey Sermon or Raheem Mostert final 12 months, Mitchell emerged because the 49ers’ Week 1 starter and a very good waiver wire decide. When on the sphere for his 11 video games throughout the common season, he delivered 5 video games with over 100 yards speeding (19/104/1, 18/107/1, 18/137/1, 27/133/1, 21/119) with a restricted function within the passing recreation (19/137/1). San Francisco gave him a minimum of 18 touches in 11 of his 14 matchups (together with the playoffs).

Sadly, he missed six video games with rib, finger, concussion and knee points. Mitchell had surgical procedure on his knee after the season. The 49ers count on him to be prepared for Week 1. Mitchell brings plus velocity and explosiveness to the 49ers’ offense.

Fantasy outlook: The one factor Mitchell didn’t do nicely in his rookie season was keep wholesome. San Francisco made its operating again guess in 2021, and the group ought to proceed to present him the lion’s share of snaps this 12 months. With 17 begins, Mitchell ought to have a simple flooring of 1,500 mixed yards with double-digit scores and a bump over 35 catches. Within the NFFC, he has an ADP of 53 because the twenty fourth operating again chosen. Mitchell performs in a terrific offense for the operating again place whereas needing to clear the harm bug hurdle. 

Trey Sermon
Between 4 seasons at Oklahoma and Ohio State, Sermon rushed for two,946 yards on 455 carries with 26 touchdowns. He completed with a minimal function within the passing recreation (48/486/3). His 2020 season ended with a shoulder harm within the nationwide championship recreation. Over his earlier three begins, Sermon had 636 speeding yards and 4 touchdowns on 70 carries.

He profiles as a north/south runner with an occasional flash on the skin. Sermon can break some tackles, however his velocity doesn’t separate him from the top-tier operating again stock. As well as, his worth within the passing recreation isn’t excessive sufficient to command a third-down function within the NFL.

He gained 193 mixed yards in his rookie season with one landing and three catches on 44 touches. A concussion challenge knocked him out of motion in Week 2 after a wholesome scratch on opening day. His season resulted in Week 12 with a proper ankle harm.

Fantasy outlook: The primary query fantasy drafters must reply coming into 2022 is whether or not Sermon has the sport to be the highest handcuff for Mitchell. The 49ers advised the world who they consider in final 12 months, so he now wants an harm to earn any useful taking part in time. In consequence, Sermon is simply a participant to comply with for now till the coach-speak out of San Francisco paints the next image about his alternative.

Tyrion Davis-Value
The 49ers added Davis-Value within the third spherical of the 2022 NFL draft. Over his three seasons at LSU, he gained 1,930 mixed yards with 15 touchdowns and 28 catches on 407 touches. His finest probability within the run recreation got here in 2021 (211/1,004/6).

Davis-Value runs with energy and wiggle, however his lack of expertise held him again at LSU. He brings imaginative and prescient with the hearth to shortly assault the road of scrimmage after the snap. Nevertheless, Davis-Value should study extra endurance to get into a greater rhythm together with his offensive line. His worth within the passing recreation seems to be restricted early in his profession, and fumbles could creep into his stat line.

Fantasy outlook: The 49ers drafted him excessive sufficient the place Davis-Value could have the within observe to win their backup function.

Different choices: Jeff Wilson, JaMycal Hasty, Jordan Mason

Huge Receivers

The 49ers gave their wideout virtually the identical probabilities within the passing recreation in 2020 (281 targets) and 2021 (292 targets). Essentially the most vital distinction got here from a bounce of their yards per catch (15.3) over the earlier two seasons (14.0) and 12.8).

Deebo Samuel — click on right here for fantasy projections

Brandon Aiyuk
After taking part in nicely in his rookie season (60/748/5) over 12 video games, Aiyuk fell in need of expectations final 12 months whereas being outshined by Samuel by a large margin. His catch price (66.7) improved from 2020 (62.5), alongside together with his yards per catch (14.8 – 12.5 in 2020), however the 49ers gave him solely 4.9 targets per recreation. He completed with 56 catches for 843 yards and 5 scores, rating him thirty fifth in large receiver scoring (171.50) in PPR codecs.

His season began with vacancy over the primary seven video games (13/141/1 on 23 targets), making him unplayable in all fantasy codecs. Samuel’s transition to a part-time runner led to Aiyuk choosing up the tempo over his last 10 matchups (43/685/4 on 61 targets), highlighted by 4 video games (6/89/1, 7/85/1, 6/62/1, 6/107).

Fantasy outlook: For Aiyuk to succeed in the next output, he wants the 49ers to throw the ball much more or an harm to both Samuel or TE George Kittle. He enters this season as San Francisco’s third choice within the passing recreation. To succeed in WR2 standing in PPR codecs, Aiyuk should obtain 115 targets in 2022, a rise of over 33% from final season. His ADP (98) within the NFFC ranks him fortieth at wideout. Aiyuk ought to outperform his value level with an opportunity at 70 catches for 900 yards with 6-8 touchdowns.

Jauan Jennings
In his first season with snaps for the 49ers, Jennings created some mismatches on account of his measurement (6’3” and 210 kilos), main to 5 of his 24 catches leading to scores. The 49ers solely gave him 13 targets over his first 11 video games (8/70/2). He flashed in Week 18 (6/94/2) whereas incomes 5 targets per recreation over the ultimate 5 matchups (16/212/3).

Jennings had a minimal alternative over 5 seasons in school (146/2,153/19 on 213 targets). His finest success got here in 2019 (59 catches for 969 yards and eight touchdowns on 92 targets).

Fantasy outlook: Even when Jennings wins the WR3 for the 49ers, he gained’t have sufficient probability to ship beginning fantasy stats in any format. At finest, a deep bench participant in finest ball kind leagues.

Danny Grey
The 49ers added Grey with their third-round choice within the 2022 NFL draft. He brings velocity (4.33 40-yard sprint) with two years of expertise at SMU (33/448/4 and 49/803/9 on 121 mixed targets). Grey will compete for a rotational WR4 function in his rookie season.

Different choices: Ray-Ray McCloud, Malik Turner, Marcus Turner

Tight Ends

Three missed video games by George Kittle led to a regression in catches (80), receiving yards (1,013) and targets (106) final 12 months. Their tight ends gained over 1,000 yards over the previous 4 seasons with seven scores a 12 months from 2019-21. The development of the 49ers’ wideouts has additionally contributed to a decline within the tight ends’ alternative.

George Kittle — click on right here for fantasy projections 

 Different choices: Tyler Kroft, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley

Kicker

Robbie Gould
To earn an every-week beginning fantasy job, a kicker should deliver an correct leg with worth from lengthy vary and keep on the sphere for all 17 video games. Gould will flip 40 in December whereas lacking eight video games over the previous three seasons. His profession success price (86.6) grades nicely, however he has had a diminished worth from 50 yards or extra (7-for-14) over the previous 4 seasons.

Fantasy outlook: San Francisco ought to run the ball nicely within the pink zone and convert many possessions into touchdowns in 2022. Gould suits extra into the matchup class whereas not being a lock to go well with up for each recreation.

Teaching
Kyle Shanahan enters his sixth season as the pinnacle coach of the 49ers. He’s batting 2-for-5 over his first 5 journeys to the plate, together with his massive hit coming in 2019 when San Francisco went 13-3 with a visit to the Tremendous Bowl. His profession file now stands at 39-42, placing his job in danger if the 49ers don’t meet expectations. He has 11 years of expertise as an offensive coordinator whereas being within the NFL for 18 seasons.

San Francisco will roll with out an official offensive coordinator, with Shanahan calling the performs. Chris Foerster is in control of the offensive line with the run recreation coordinator title. Bobby Slowik will deal with the passing recreation duties.

The 49ers bumped to thirteenth in factors scored (427), 51 greater than 2020. That they had the next end (seventh) in yards gained.

DeMeco Ryans returns to run the protection for a second season. He spent the earlier three seasons working because the linebacker coach for San Francisco. Ryans performed 10 seasons within the NFL at linebacker earlier than shifting to the 49ers teaching employees in 2017.

San Fran ranked second, fifth and third in yards allowed over the previous three seasons, however they proceed to complete decrease within the standing in factors allowed (365 – ninth, seventeenth in 2020, eighth in 2019).

Free company
The highest 4 gamers added by the 49ers had been CB Charvarius Ward, S George Odum, LB Oren Burks and WR Ray-ray McCloud. The web funding to accumulate these belongings was $59 million. San Fran misplaced G Laken Tomlinson, DT D.J. Jones, CB Ok’Waun Williams and DE Arden Key.

Draft
San Francisco didn’t have a range within the first spherical of the 2022 NFL draft. After including DE Drake Jackson within the second spherical, the 49ers targeted on enhancing their offense with their subsequent three picks (RB Tyrion Davis-Value – 3.29, WR Danny Grey – 3.41, G Spencer Burford – 4.29). CB Samuel Womack, T Nick Zakelj, DT Kalia Davis and CB Tariq Castro-Fields had been the alternatives within the fifth and sixth rounds. Their last dart got here at quarterback (Brock Purdy – 7.41).

Offensive line
The 49ers climbed to seventh in speeding yards (2,166) with 22 touchdowns and 19 runs of 20 yards or extra. They averaged 4.3 yards per carry with 29.4 makes an attempt per recreation.

San Francisco slipped to twelfth within the NFL in passing yards (4,437) with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The 49ers had 63 completions over 20 yards. Their offensive line allowed 33 sacks.

LT Trent Williams dominated as a run blocker whereas additionally being an edge in move safety. He has been sensational in his two seasons with San Francisco, with a 10-year historical past of delivering influence outcomes. RT Mike McGlinchey missed 9 video games final season on account of a torn quad muscle. He has a first-round draft pedigree (2018), however work remains to be wanted in move blocking. The inside of their line has questions in any respect three positions after C Alex Mack retired in early June.

Sadly for San Francisco, the plusses don’t outweigh the negatives for the offensive line this 12 months. Working up the center could possibly be more difficult, and extra stress needs to be anticipated within the move rush. This line seems to be under common, but it surely could possibly be higher than anticipated with teaching and if their depth reveals development in 2022.

Protection
San Francisco pushed as much as seventh in speeding yards allowed (1,760). They gave up 4.0 yards per rush, with ball carriers scoring 17 touchdowns with 11 runs over 20 yards.

The 49ers dipped to sixth in passing yards allowed (3,510). Quarterbacks gained 7.1 yards per move try with 25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and 54 completions of 20 yards or extra. Their protection completed with 48 sacks.

DE Nick Bosa is a beast within the move rush (15.5 sacks) whereas setting a career-high in tackles (52). Sadly, his run protection fell under expectations after taking part in nicely in that space over his first 18 video games within the NFL. DT Arik Armstead added extra stress on the quarterback final 12 months, however he additionally got here up quick defending the run. DT Javon Kinlaw missed 13 video games final season with a torn ACL. The 49ers added him within the first spherical in 2020. San Francisco hopes incoming rookie DE Drake Jackson can improve the move rush on the skin after being taken within the second spherical of this 12 months’s draft.

Aside from LB Fred Warner, the second degree of the 49ers’ protection has a number of questions that should be answered. Finally, San Fran gained’t get many sacks from its linebackers, however they should decelerate the run recreation and deal with their tasks in move protection.

S Jimmie Ward continues to sort out nicely whereas enhancing San Francisco’s protection in run help. He tends to reduce the injury in scoring in protection with an occasional blown task within the passing recreation. CB Charvarius Ward helps in protection, however the 49ers don’t have an edge at their different two positions within the secondary.

San Francisco’s defensive position units the tone for his or her success. If they’ll cease the run and get to the quarterback, the remainder of the protection can cowl for some deficiencies. Subsequently, they’re a prime 10 fantasy protection with extra upside if a few gamers enhance at linebacker and the secondary.

2022 FANTASY OUTLOOKS

AFC East: Payments | Dolphins | Patriots | Jets
AFC North: Ravens | Bengals | Browns | Steelers
AFC South: Texans | Colts | Jaguars | Titans
AFC West: Broncos | Chiefs | Raiders | Chargers

NFC East: Cowboys | Giants | Eagles | Commanders
NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South: Falcons | Panthers | Saints | Buccaneers
NFC West: Cardinals | Rams | 49ers | Seahawks