Fantasy Football: An early look at 49ers options in 2017

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Dec 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) runs for a touchdown behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Fantasy Option No. 4: Wide Receiver Pierre Garcon

In reality, the 49ers have only two legitimate fantasy football options heading into 2017 — wide receiver Pierre Garcon and running back Carlos Hyde.

We’ll get to Hyde in a moment, but let’s focus on the best Niners’ fantasy receiving option this season.

Garcon is ranked by ESPN’s Matthew Berry as the No. 26 overall wide receiver in 2017, and CBS Sports projects the veteran wideout to post 43.8 fantasy points on the year.

A year ago, and at 30 years old, Garcon still managed to post 1,041 receiving yards and four touchdowns. It’s more than likely these numbers will take a hit with the 49ers this season. Unlike the Washington Redskins last year, Garcon won’t benefit from having a top-tier wideout — DeSean Jackson — keeping defenders occupied, thus opening up chances.

While the Niners can boast Jeremy Kerley and Marquise Goodwin, these aren’t exactly the types of receivers instilling fear in opponents.

That means defenses will focus the majority of attention on covering Garcon and letting the other wideouts beat them.

But head coach Kyle Shanahan has worked wonders with receivers, including Garcon, before. And it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Garcon get into the range of 800 to 900 yards by season’s end.

This makes him a legitimate No. 2 or flex option in deeper leagues.