Fantasy Football Player Notes

It's been a while since Jones was without either Mohamed Sanu or Calvin Ridley, though his owners won't mind the target bump he'll get. There have been four No. 1-type targets who've seen double-digit targets against the 49ers (with Richard Sherman, who's out). They allowed Michael Thomas 11/134/1, Davante Adams 7/43/1, Tyler Boyd 10/122/0, and D.K. Metcalf 6/70/0, so they haven't been impenetrable. The loss of Sherman is massive, as they rely on him heavily in their zone-heavy scheme, and not only that, but nickel cornerback K'Waun Williams suffered a concussion during last week's game. That means Ahkello Witherspoon, Emmanuel Moseley, and D.J. Reed will be asked to step in and start for the 49ers. Witherspoon was considered a bust until this year, Moseley is a second-year former undrafted free agent, while Reed was a fifth-round pick last year who's been burned in the rare occasion he takes the field. You're starting Jones with zero fear about the matchup.

It was a disappointing return for Hooper in a plus-matchup where he caught just two passes for 32 yards on six targets against the Panthers. That's still a solid target total and the loss of Ridley will clear up even more in the offense. We did see Jared Cook come down with 64 yards and two touchdowns to start the game against the 49ers, but he was concussed. The Saints then had Josh Hill come in and record two catches for four yards and a touchdown of his own. It was crazy because the 49ers had allowed a ridiculously low 4.79 yards per target coming into that game, but the injuries have started to add up on their defense. Even with that massive game to the Saints tight ends, they've allowed the fifth-fewest points to the position, and still allow the fewest yards per target (5.40) by more than half of a yard. But knowing they're without Dee Ford, Richard Sherman, and maybe K'Waun Williams and Jaquiski Tartt, the matchup gets an upgrade. You want to start Hooper as a TE1 who's probably locked into six-plus targets, though his ceiling may not be massive.

The 49ers have been the second-stingiest defense to RBs over the past five weeks. Freeman may be involved in the passing game this week, but he is not expected to do much after the catch. Given the low yardage upside for him this week, he is only a flex play in leagues that reward receptions.

Many will want to gravitate to Gage with Calvin Ridley out for the year, but it really shouldn't change his role all that much. He plays slot-only and was on the field for just 35-of-69 snaps last week despite Ridley's departure. His matchup may be upgraded, though. Nickel cornerback K'Waun Williams suffered a concussion last week and his replacement would be D.J. Reed. He's the 49ers fifth-round pick from last year who's allowed 20-of-25 passing for 212 yards and three touchdowns in his limited playing time. Knowing Matt Ryan may be under pressure, we could see Gage be a safety valve in the shorter area of the field. He's still nothing more than a low-upside WR4/5-type option, though he should have a decent floor.

Yes, Zaccheaus sees a role boost with Ridley out and yes he had a good fantasy day last week, but it's important to look past the fantasy points. He was targeted twice and caught just one pass. He also has the worst individual matchup among WRs this week, so don't try to get cute with this play, just avoid him.