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 – NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 and Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

49ers D/ST – LOW

Investing in the 49ers defense in fantasy has been a practice to avoid since Jim Harbaugh and Vic Fangio left town. However, there were improvements in 2017, though they did still finish the year 24th in total defense by yards allowed.

The offense’s improved play with Garoppolo at quarterback had an obvious impact on the defense, which was able to stay off the field for longer and became much more of a bend-not-break unit in the final five games.

Only twice in that five-game run did the 49ers give up more than 16 points. However, while there is obvious talent on both ends of the defense, the big question will be turning that into production.

The Niners had a paltry 30 sacks and just 20 takeaways in 2017 and will be hopeful that the development of the likes of DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas up front, and Ahkello Witherspoon and Adrian Colbert on the back end, along with the arrival of Richard Sherman, will improve those numbers.

Next: NFL 2018: Each team's best offseason move

From a special teams perspective Pettis’ arrival gives the Niners much more of a punt-return threat. However, though San Francisco’s defense should be better in 2018, it is not one to consider drafting in fantasy. Instead it is a unit to keep an eye on and look to add via the waiver wire should it start to thrive.