Disclaimer
These contests are intended to be fun as you're watching the game. It's incredibly difficult to get a real edge as there are so few options, and in MME contests, there are often many duplicate lineups. One play or one penalty can change the entire outcome of the game.
Macro Level Game View
- Over/Under: 48.5
- Spread: 49ers -6.5
- 49ers Implied Team Total: 27.5
- Panthers Implied Team Total: 21
Captain Consideration
San Francisco 49ers Showdown Players
Quarterback
Brock Purdy - Captain/Flex
The 49ers have the fifth-highest Implied Team Total (27.5) of the entire week, and Brock Purdy is playing at home in a good matchup against a Panthers defense that ranks 21st in EPA/Play Allowed and 23rd in Dropback EPA Allowed. Purdy ranks fourth in the passing yards per game (262) and third in pass touchdowns per game (2.3). Purdy played well last week, looked healthy, and there have been no reported setbacks this week.
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
Christian McCaffrey - Captain/Flex
Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL in opportunities per game (26.3) and ranks second in both total yards per game (130.8) and touchdowns (11). The 49ers are 6.5-point home favorites, and McCaffrey gets a Panthers defense that ranks 21st in EPA/Play Allowed and middle of the pack in Rush EPA Allowed (16th).
George Kittle - Captain/Flex
George Kittle ranks tied for first at the tight end position in touchdown receptions (3) since his return to the lineup in Week 7. He ran a route on 88.9% of dropbacks last week. Carolina's defense has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the tight end position (12.1) this season.
Ricky Pearsall - Captain/Flex
Ricky Pearsall returned from a six-game absence last week to play on 74.5% of the offensive snaps and run a route on 85.2% of dropbacks. That usage is extremely promising, even though he caught just 1 of 2 targets for 0 yards. Focus on the more important underlying metrics. Pearsall is one of the most athletic receivers in NFL history. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash, logged a 6.4 3-cone and a 4.05 shuttle, and posted jumps of a 42" vertical and 10'09" broad. All of those were elite testing numbers. His athleticism showed up on the field at the beginning of the season, as he ranks 22nd in YPRR (1.97). Pearsall is a very intriguing captain option at low ownership because he's the big play threat in this 49ers passing game. If he hits his ceiling outcome here, Pearsall captain teams will be sitting pretty.
Jauan Jennings - Flex
Jauan Jennings ran a route on 88.9% of dropbacks last week. He's a full-time receiver in Kyle Shanahan's offense who gets to play with Brock Purdy. He has caught four or more passes in five straight games.
Kicker
Matt Gay - Flex
Matt Gay will replace Eddy Piñeiro in this one, who is out due to injury. Gay has missed six field goal attempts this season, but five of those misses have come from 50+. Multiple field goal attempts could be on the menu as the 49ers are 6.5-point home favorites, and he projects to be low-owned since this will be his first game kicking for San Francisco.