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Fantasy Football: Early San Francisco 49ers Stock Watch for 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: 49ers Defense/Special Teams

The 49ers might have reinforced the defensive line and secondary during the 2016 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean San Francisco will suddenly return to a defensive powerhouse as was the case during the Jim Harbaugh era.

If there’s one common notion of head coach Chip Kelly-led teams, it’s the thought of the defense not fairing particularly well.

According to NFL Films senior editor Greg Cosell (h/t NBC Bay Area), Kelly’s uptempo offenses always put his teams’ defenses at risk.

“If you’re gonna be the defensive coordinator for Chip Kelly, you’re going to rank low,” Cosell commented about new 49ers defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil. “Fans need to understand that because they play a lot of plays. It’s hard to be ranked 10th or 11th because it’s just hard. That offense impacts the whole team. It’s not just an offense.

“And as I said, no matter how much better the talent might be, the numbers will probably not be great because you’re the defensive coordinator on a Chip Kelly team.”

Yes, you may see some decent field-goal production from veteran kicker Phil Dawson — since the 49ers have relied so heavily on his leg in recent seasons — but the Niners may be vulnerable to giving up a lot of yardage and points this season.

Not surprisingly, CBS Sports’ fantasy writer Jamey Eisenberg ranked the 49ers D/ST as your worst option in 2016.

Fantasy Projection: Unless there’s a very favorable matchup on the calendar — of which there are few for the 49ers this season — avoid San Francisco’s D/ST at all costs.

Next: Wide Receiver Torrey Smith