San Francisco 49ers: Setting fantasy expectations for key players

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Jerick McKinnon – HIGH

McKinnon has rarely been anything more than a waiver wire pickup in fantasy terms, yet he is another likely to be highly valued in drafts, especially in PPR leagues.

He did not have many opportunities to be the feature back with the Minnesota Vikings, but the 49ers paid him $30 million over four years to fill that role and he should see plenty of the ball as both a runner and a receiver.

One of the more skilled receiving backs in the league, especially after the catch, McKinnon caught 51 of his 68 targets in 2017 for 421 yards and two touchdowns. By stark contrast Carlos Hyde, who the 49ers let walk in free agency, was targeted a whopping 88 times in 2017 but only caught eight more balls than McKinnon and for just 350 and no touchdowns.

Throws to the running back are a huge part of the Shanahan offense and McKinnon has proven himself a much more efficient receiver than Hyde.

If he is targeted like Hyde was in 2017 and receives the bulk of the carries, then he should easily surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the first time in his career and has the potential to be a top-10 back in fantasy, with his ceiling even higher in PPR.