Fantasy football: Early stock watch for 49ers roster in 2018
By Peter Panacy
49ers Defense/Special Teams
Unless there was a favorable fantasy football matchup last year (and there weren’t many), you probably avoided all things associated with the 49ers defense.
For good reason. San Francisco ranked 25th in points allowed (383), 24th in yards allowed (5,625), 20th in turnovers generated (20) and fourth from last in ESPN’s fantasy rankings with just 61 points.
At the end of the season, though, there were reasons to speculate this unit would be much better in 2018. And so much of that had to do with the difference linebacker Reuben Foster made on the field.
Injuries kept Foster out of six games last season. And in three of those missed games, the Niners allowed more than 400 all-purpose yards compared to just two (Weeks 7 and 16) in which Foster was healthy.
Foster has had two arrests this offseason, the latest — on charges of domestic violence and possession of an assault weapon — puts his status for 2018 in serious doubt. If the 49ers elect to keep him on roster, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him suspended for a minimum of six games.
The 49ers defense isn’t good enough yet to overcome this likely burden.
Sure, pieces will probably be added this offseason to upgrade this unit. But for now, don’t buy San Francisco’s defense and special teams.
Well, aside from the next guy on our list, of course.