What to do with C.J. Beathard in Week 17 of the fantasy football playoffs

The San Francisco 49ers close out the 2020 season with a home game against their rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks still have a chance at the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and so the 49ers are playing for pride and to be a spoiler.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media on Wednesday that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will not play in the Week 17 finale. He’s been on injured reserve since aggravating an ankle injury in Week 8 and while he has been practicing the last two weeks, he will not be activated off IR. C.J. Beathard will start once again in his place and Josh Rosen will serve as the backup.

Fantasy Football analysis: 49ers QB C.J. Beathard

Beathard had a strong start against Arizona last week, throwing for three touchdowns and finishing with 19 fantasy points. It was his fifth appearance of 2020, but marked his first start since 2018.

He faces a Seahawks defense that ranks 27th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks this season but ranks No. 1 over the past four weeks. It’s a defense that has drastically improved after an ugly start to the season, giving up only two passing touchdowns over the past four weeks.

Beathard will be playing without running back Raheem Mostert or wide receivers Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, but will get tight end George Kittle for a second straight week.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Sit Beathard in all but two-QB leagues.