San Francisco 49ers

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.

For the second straight day this week, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (concussion) was limited in practice on Thursday. Jennings has missed the last two games due to his concussion. He's making progress with his head injury but has yet to be fully cleared from the league's concussion protocol, and the 49ers aren't going to rush any of their injured players back this weekend for the Week 18 regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams with the No. 1 seed in the NFC already locked up. Even if the 26-year-old gets the green light to play this weekend, he'll be taking passes from quarterback Sam Darnold, who will be making his first start of the year. Although Jennings is going to cost next to nothing in DFS, there's a slim chance he pays off for fantasy managers in Week 18. After all, he has only 19 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown all year.

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (illness) was under the weather and didn't practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday, but he returned to a limited session on Thursday. Mitchell should be available for the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and a bigger backfield role should be in store with Christian McCaffrey (calf) already ruled out. With quarterback Brock Purdy also being rested, expect the Niners to lean on a more ground-based approach with Sam Darnold running the offense. It's all good news for Mitchell's fantasy appeal in DFS this weekend, although Jordan Mason reportedly could be utilized as the primary back. Tyrion Davis-Price could see some run as well, so Mitchell will still be a pretty risky option at the RB position for a Niners team that has already locked up the top seed in the NFC.