The Shanahan Effect: Arrows Up for 49ers Weapons
The 49ers are arguably the most up and coming team in the NFL. After failing miserably with the Chip Kelly/Jim Tomsula experiment, they started from scratch by hiring new GM John Lynch and young gun HC Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan is one the NFL's youngest head coaches at just 39 years old, but he has an offensive mind that’s wise beyond his years. Check the stats below to understand why the 49ers offense is one bound to contain a potential top 5 fantasy QB with many more relevant pieces.
Prior to Shanahan’s arrival in the Bay Area, he served one season as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator. During that one season he lead an offense that produced the league’s MVP, Matt Ryan. Ryan posted career highs in passing yards, passing TDs, completion percentage, QB rating, and yards per attempt. Not only did Shanahan produce the league's MVP, but the Falcons offense also posted top 5 numbers in every major offensive category, proving that Shanahan elevates the play of every position on the field. With a season under his belt in San Francisco, lets take a look at their projected offensive starters with fantasy relevance along with a likely outlook for 2018.
San Francisco 49ers Projected Offensive Starters (Skill Positions)
Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo
2017 Stats (5 starts): 1560 passing yards, 7 TD's, 5 INT's
2017 Projected stats over 16 games: 4,992 passing yards, 21 TD's, 15 INT's Rushing: 35 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD's
2017 Fantasy Points Projection over 16 games (Standard Scoring): 274.19 Points (QB7)
2018 Fantasy Predictions: 4,600 yards, 29 TD's, 11 INT, 336 Fantasy Points (Standard)
2018 Fantasy Outlook:
In just 5 starts at QB, Garoppolo took the NFL by storm and led the 9ers to a 5-0 record. Though he turned in gaudy passing yardage numbers, Garoppolo posted low TD numbers, making him an inconsistent fantasy starter week to week. Even with the low TD numbers, Jimmy G would have been the 7th QB overall based off of the full season projections, which should have fantasy owners salivating. With a full offseason under his belt and free agent acquisitions to enhance the offense, Garoppolo is bound for fantasy stardom in 2018.
Running Back: Jerick McKinnon (Acquired from the Vikings in Free Agency, 4 years30 million dollars)
2017 Stats (16 Games): Rushing: 150 attempts, 570 yards, 3 Rushing TD's Receiving: 51 receptions, 421 yards, 2 TD's
2018 Fantasy Predictions: 200 attempts, 845 yards, 5 TD's Receiving: 68 receptions, 737 yards, 6 TD's Points: 219.1 (Standard Scoring)
2018 Fantasy Outlook:
McKinnon arrives in the Bay Area after four seasons as the change of pace back in Minnesota. Jet McKinnon will finally get his shot to prove his worth as an NFL running back as the lead dog in the San Francisco backfield. Expect Shanahan to utilize McKinnon’s playmaking prowess in space, ultimately making him a must grab in all fantasy leagues. The 9ers clearly have full faith that McKinnon will deliver judging from his large contract, and their decision to pass on a RB in this years draft. McKinnon has the ability to be this years breakout fantasy star, so fantasy owners should make sure to grab him before it’s too late.
Wide Receiver: Pierre Garcon
2017 Stats (8 Games): 40 receptions, 500 yards, 0 TD's
2018 Fantasy Predictions: 81 receptions, 1004 yards, 5 TD's Points: 130.4
2018 Fantasy Outlook:
Unfortunately for Garcon, his season ended before the Jimmy G hype train came into town, so we can only imagine what the two will do together in 2018. After posting modest numbers with the poor QB tandem of Brian Hoyer/CJ Beathard, Garcon will be entering his age 31 season coming off an injury plagued one. Though these are reasons for concern, Garopp’s star power combined with Shanahan’s brilliance will make Garcon a consistent starter at the flex position week after week.
Wide Receiver: Marquise Goodwin
2017 Stats (16 Games): 56 receptions, 962 yards, 2 TD's
2018 Fantasy Predictions: 68 receptions, 1100 yards, 5 TD's Points: 140.0 (Standard Scoring)
2018 Fantasy Outlook:
Coming into 2017 Goodwin was a name you normally saw on the weekly waiver wire, but after a strong finish he should be on everyone’s draft boards. In fact, Goodwin built a quick connection with Garoppolo, producing 29 receptions, 384 yards, and 1 TD in Garopp’s 5 starts. Expect the duo’s stock to continue to trend upward in 2018 making Goodwin a low end WR2 and a strong flex option week after week.
Tight End: George Kittle
2017 Stats (15 Games): 43 Receptions, 515 yards, 2 TD's
2018 Fantasy Predictions: 65 Receptions, 725 yards, 7 TD's Points: 107.5 (Standard Scoring)
2018 Fantasy Outlook:
The common trend within the NFL is that it takes roughly a year for tight ends to acclimate themselves before they can truly blossom. After producing over 500 yards last season, it’s fair to say Kittle garnered some success, but with a full 16 game slate with a franchise QB he can be expected to make major strides in 2018. Kittle is the clear #1 TE on the 9ers roster, making him a startable TE1 in all fantasy platforms in 2018.
Overall, Jimmy G's star power combined with Shanahan's game planning should make the 49ers one of the best fantasy offenses in 2018. Make sure to have these names in mind come draft day as they will help you strive for a championship in 2018.