Both of these teams need to win, as the Rams have a slim chance of making it into the playoffs and the 49ers need to win out to secure the NFC West and the No. 1 seed. The last time they met, the 49ers defense absolutely swamped them. Jared Goff and company totaled 157 yards while Goff completed 13-of-24 passes for 78 yards and was sacked four times.
Captain Obvious
George Kittle, TE, 49ers ($9,200)
Both defenses are strong enough against the pass and run to make it difficult to find one player who should be able to exploit a major weakness. That makes Kittle the obvious choice, as he is matchup proof and has already played well against the Rams, catching each of his eight targets for 103 yards in their first meeting.
Captain Courageous
Todd Gurley, RB, Rams ($8,800)
The 49ers aren’t a team you want to face with any of your fantasy players but Gurley is back to getting big snap counts and usage as the Rams desperately try to make the playoffs. The 49ers do have enough injuries to their run defense to have some hope that Gurley can be successful, but his usage has been so much better of late that I like him no matter. His targets aren’t what they were in the past but he does have 11 over the last two games, which equals his previous four games. That receiving work should be a huge boost this week.
Flex Men
Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers ($8,600)
The Rams run defense has been solid most of the season but they do give up big numbers on occasion, like last week as Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard both topped 100 yards rushing and totaled three touchdowns. With Jalen Ramsey in the fold now, they’ve allowed 11 passing touchdowns in their last nine games and one of those games was a five touchdown effort from Lamar Jackson. I’d rather attack the Rams on the ground and Mostert is the lead back. Mostert had a letdown game last week, as did the whole team, but he still got into the end zone, his fifth trip there in his last four games.
Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams ($6,800)
Higbee’s price is too low for his recent usage and production. Over the last three games, he has 33 targets and has caught 26 for 334 yards and one touchdown. He’s now hit three straight games over 100 yards. Only Robert Woods has more targets in that span due to a game he saw 19! The 49ers safety, Jaquiski Tartt, is hurt, so Higbee should see a little easier time than the usual against the 49ers defense.
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