First place in the NFC West is up for grabs on Thursday night. The 49ers will travel to SoFi Stadium to take on the Rams in a battle with postseason ramifications. Both of these Super Bowl contenders aren’t lacking in star power. However, as is often the case, these marquee matchups will come down to the lesser-known names. Which under the radar players will step up in primetime?
Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s 49ers-Rams showdown.
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WR Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers ($4,800)
As is always the case, San Francisco enters this contest short-handed. To start, quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) is questionable to play. Fellow Q’s include wideouts Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs). Both players did not participate during Tuesday’s practice. If even one of the two sits, the 49ers will need healthy pass catchers.
That should mean more usage for third-stringer Kendrick Bourne. The 30-year-old already has a decent workload, logging 67% of San Francisco’s snaps last Sunday. Through three games, he’s hauled in eight catches for 87 yards. As an added bonus, the veteran has experience with backup quarterback Mac Jones ($9,200). Could the two re-kindle a New England connection that saw Bourne post a career-best 800 receiving yards? It’s not out of the question. Assuming one of Pearsall or Jennings sits, this is an obvious low-cost pick for your lineups.
TE Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams ($2,800)
Things get tricky when looking for value on the Rams. For years, Matthew Stafford ($10,400) has had no trouble spamming his favorites in the passing game. Still, the 49ers are too savvy of a defensive unit to let Puka Nacua ($11,600) dominate for four quarters. There will be several moments on Thursday in which Los Angeles’ QB will have to look past his first read. That should allow someone other than Nacua and Davante Adams ($9.600) to produce. Another wide receiver is unlikely to make a dent for the Rams. It’s the same story at running back, where Kyren Williams ($9,000) controls the backfield.
The likeliest spot to find a fantasy contributor is at tight end. Right now, LA has opted for a committee approach. It was Tyler Higbee that led this group in Week 4, garnering 55% of all snaps. When healthy, the veteran is a difference-maker. From 2019 to 2023, he averaged 3.8 catches and 38.1 receiving yards per game. In addition, Higbee has commanded at least six targets in each of his previous four meetings with San Francisco. This season, the 49ers have allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. At just $2,800, Higbee offers significant upside.
