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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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Pierre Garcon – AVERAGE

Garcon was on pace for 1,000 yards when injury prematurely ended his maiden season with the 49ers, and that was with Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard at quarterback.

Having proven himself to be a dependable target who can still make spectacular catches and make big plays down the field, Garcon will enter the 2018 season as the de facto No. 1 receiver and his history of production suggests he should thrive with Garoppolo at the helm of the offense.

However, the Niners’ receiving depth chart now consists of Marquise Goodwin — coming off a breakout year — versatile second-round rookie Dante Pettis, reliable slot receiver Trent Taylor and Kendrick Bourne, who emerged as a viable target down the stretch. Depending on how the roster shakes out, Richie James or Aldrick Robinson could be in the mix.

Throw in McKinnon and tight end George Kittle, after a year in which he caught the second-most passes among rookie tight ends, and it is clear there are just too many options for Garcon to be considered a top-tier fantasy receiver.

He should still be the favored option when the Niners need to move the chains on third down, so should have some extra value in PPR, but expectations around Garcon should definitely be tempered.