Niners Expect to Miss Isaac Guerendo

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

The 49ers clearly don't favor current No. 2 RB Patrick Taylor nearly as much as Guerendo.

The rookie drew all 20 RB opportunities in last Thursday's loss to the Rams despite entering the game with a foot sprain. Taylor played just 3 snaps (vs. Guerendo's 41).

Ke'Shawn Vaughn was the only other active RB for that game but merely played special teams.

San Francisco also claimed former Jets RB Israel Abanikanda after the injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason. He went inactive in his first game with the team but could find the active roster this week.

Taylor should be the best bet for touches among 49ers RBs this week. But we're also betting the team will lean a bit further toward the pass with the backfield down to Option 4 as starter.

We'll see about the RB outlook for Week 17.

Other Winners & Losers

It's tough to call QB Brock Purdy a "winner" in a crumbling offense, but don't be surprised if he sees elevated passing volume against the Dolphins. That could obviously help his fantasy production.

Last week marked just the sixth time in 13 games this year that Purdy reached 30 pass attempts. And unlike Week 15, there's no rain in the forecast this time.

WR Deebo Samuel also saw his most opportunities since Week 10 in that game against the Rams: 7 targets, 2 carries. But he also averaged a season-low 3.8 yards per touch.

That makes three straight games of 5.0 or less -- and four such games among his past five. (The other game in that span found him gaining 21 yards on his only reception.)

Samuel's clearly a better bet for opportunities this week than if the offense were healthier. But he remains a poor bet for efficiency.

Consider him no more than a low WR3.

Waiver Wire Targets

Even though he's not exciting, Taylor's worth claiming off waivers in most leagues of 10+ teams.

At the least, you're blocking a needy league mate from grabbing him and/or taking a shot that Taylor delivers better-than-expected production.