No player embodies the 2024 49ers like Deebo Samuel. Immensely talented, but held back due to an unfortunate mix of injuries, inconsistent performance, and bad luck. That was on full display last week, as the star wide receiver was held to one catch for 21 yards in a 38-10 blowout vs. the Packers. On the bright side, head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday that starting quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) is on track to play on Sunday Night Football in Buffalo.
With San Francisco’s signal caller playing, does Samuel automatically return to WR1 status? This weekend’s game against the Bills won’t be easy; their defense has given up the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.2 YPA) and the 13th-fewest passing yards (210.0 YPG) in the NFL. Still, the 49ers might not have any other choice but to throw the ball, as Buffalo enters the contest as six-point favorites.
It’s been a subpar season for Samuel, as he’s only generated 511 receiving yards and one touchdown through nine full games. However, he remains one year removed from putting up 1,117 yards from scrimmage, regardless of a statistical decline over the past few weeks. I’d expect Purdy to look for his best weapon often, especially if the 49ers find themselves trailing in the second half.
At this point in the year, those in leagues of twelve teams or more probably aren’t spoiled for choice. While Samuel has been a source of frustration this season, most fantasy managers don’t have a better option sitting on their bench. In a game that could demand plenty of passes from Purdy, Deebo can be penciled in comfortably as a WR2 or flex in Week 13.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
