What to do with Nick Mullens in Week 4 fantasy football

The San Francisco 49ers will take the field without starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for at least another week, giving Nick Mullens another opportunity to prove his mettle. This time, Mullens and company draw a Philadelphia Eagles squad that continues to search for its first win of the season.

Fantasy Football analysis: 49ers QB Nick Mullens

The Eagles have not given opposing signal-callers too much to fret about, allowing 757 passing yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions over the first three weeks of the season. Furthermore, Philly has struggled mightily against offenses that heavily utilize play-action and pre-snap motion, and the 49ers rank in the top five leaguewide in both categories. Combined with the return of All-Pro tight end George Kittle and second-year wideout Deebo Samuel, Mullens appears well positioned for a nice week.

At the same time, the 49ers remain a run-focused offense, especially near the goal line. For Mullens to have a stellar Week 4, he’ll have to produce touchdown passes on plays that begin outside the red zone. While he has done that in the past — most notably during a 2018 matchup with the Oakland Raiders — head coach and offensive play-caller Kyle Shanahan might not give Mullens enough opportunities for shot plays.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Until the 49ers decide to open up the offense with Mullens under center, he doesn’t merit starting consideration in either season-long leagues or DFS.