San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be a risky play in Week 18's meaningless home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. In Week 17 at Washington, Samuel totaled 72 all-purpose yards with a touchdown. The score was his 12th of the season, with eight of those touchdowns coming in his last five games. The matchup is good on Sunday, as the Rams have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers but there are other factors at play. First off, with San Francisco having sewn up the No. 1 seed in the NFC, they'll rest quarterback Brock Purdy and start Sam Darnold which is a downgrade for Samuel. In addition, the 49ers haven't divulged if Samuel will get his usual snap share or if he'll be benched at a certain point. Samuel can do more with fewer touches than the average receiver but fantasy managers should be aware of the playing-time risk. Samuel is being considered a WR2 this week.

San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Ray-Ray McCloud III (rib), Jauan Jennings (concussion) and Danny Gray (shoulder) are all questionable to play in the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Both the 49ers and Rams will be rested a lot of their regulars in this meaningless contest, so all three of McCloud, Jennings and Gray could see substantial offensive snaps on Sunday if they are active. The Niners will have to activate McCloud from Injured Reserve if they want him playing this weekend. The 27-year-old hasn't been active since Week 12. McCloud mostly works on special teams. Jennings has missed the last two games and has served as the No. 3 behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk for most of the year. Jennings would have the most appeal as a bargain-bin deep DFS sleeper this weekend if he's active, but fantasy managers would probably be wise to avoid San Fran's offense altogether this week.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is expected to start in Sunday's meaningless game versus the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara. With Week 17's seven-catch, 117-yard, one-touchdown performance in Washington, Aiyuk got to within six receptions of his season-long career high and needs one more touchdown to tie his career-best total of eight. The Rams represent the eighth-most favorable matchup for wide receivers in fantasy but a bigger determinant of Aiyuk's success will be his playing time, which hasn't been publicly stated. His role will likely be diminished to some degree and backup quarterback Sam Darnold is starting -- both of which add risk -- but odds are that he gets enough action to retain WR2 value.

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason could be worth a look for fantasy managers when the team hosts the Los Angeles Rams in a meaningless Sunday matchup. With starter Christian McCaffrey resting ahead of the playoffs and nursing a calf injury, San Francisco is expected to mostly lean on Elijah Mitchell, although the latter was cleared only Friday after battling an illness during the week. Also working in Mason's favor is that he's been more effective, gaining 5.0 yards per carry compared to Mitchell's 3.8. Adding to the chaos is the possibility that San Francisco activates a third running back from the practice squad. DFS players willing to risk a near-goose egg from Mason in hopes of a 50-50 split with Mitchell could find great value if the price is right. Those playing in Week 18 championships should view Mason as a risky RB3/flex option.

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell could make his first start of the season with Christian McCaffrey ruled out in the team's Week 18 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The 25-year-old backup has been dealing with an illness this week but was cleared from the injury report on Friday, making him the favorite to lead San Francisco's backfield on Sunday. However, Mitchell's actual usage is anyone's guess, as Jordan Mason is almost certain to get a share of the touches and has been effective in limited action at 5.0 yards per carry to Mitchell's 3.8. Second-year man Tyrion Davis-Price could also be in the mix, although he'd have to be elevated from the practice squad. That said, Mitchell carries undeniable value in Week 18 championships and DFS for those willing to roll the dice. Consider him an RB2 this week with loads of upside but a low floor depending on the 49ers' personnel decisions.