Fantasy football: 5 must-have 49ers for your 2021 draft

49ers Fantasy Football Option No. 1: Running Back Raheem Mostert

This one is a bit tricky for owners looking to add one of the Niners’ running backs, as Kyle Shanahan has often gone with a rotation, meaning the only way to maximize any halfback’s selection from San Francisco is to ensure that player gets into the end zone regularly.

Yards are nice. But have you tried touchdowns? That’s where the fantasy football value is.

San Francisco 49ers

Last year, running back Raheem Mostert was sidelined with multiple injuries that kept him out eight games, meaning he’ll be more of a bargain in 2021 — currently with an ADP of 6.04. Right behind Mostert is the rookie, Trey Sermon (6.07), who’ll likely be the prime candidate to take carries away from Mostert.

But Mostert’s upside and better value, although not indicated by ADP, is twofold. First, Mostert has a greater reputation for being a pass-catcher, and he’s an automatic home-run threat with his speed. Sermon isn’t there yet in that regard, so PPR leagues should highlight Mostert over Sermon for now.

Second, and more importantly, the 49ers are going to be looking for a primary red-zone scoring threat, especially with their touchdown leader from a year ago, running back Jeff Wilson Jr., shelved for the first half of the season with a knee injury.

Two years ago back in 2019, it was Mostert who emerged as the Niners’ leading touchdown-getter, meaning he could easily assume that role again in 2021.

Although you’ll probably want to have a handcuff to guard against Mostert’s injury reputation.