San Francisco 49ers – PPG 17.5, Sacks – 48 Tied 7th

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off of another heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. They have been the most dynastic NFC team of the past eleven years. They have won three conference championships in that span but have zero Lombardi Trophies to show for it. 

Their identity remains with a tough defense, and great offense. They gave up 17.5 points per game last season, and had 48 sacks, tied for seventh most in the NFL. They keep the game at the pace they enjoy, and like to win the field position battle. The NFC West was not at its best last season, but should be improved this year. 


2024 Expectations:

Several veterans on this defense have felt the sting of those Super Bowl losses. They are the class of their conference and have had stellar defenses despite different coordinators. This year they are projected to have the most wins of their conference, to win their division, and the second best odds to win the Super Bowl. 

They will be led by their tough defense and great kicking of young Jake Moody. He has been a reliable kicker with an efficient offense. They have future Hall of Fame IDPs on their roster and a head coach who has been around the NFL since birth, a true NFL genius. The 49ers should once again have one of the better D/ST for fantasy football purposes, and I have them projected as the second best defense for 2024.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB Fred Warner

DL Nick Bosa

DB Talanoa Hufanga

Fred Warner is a model of consistency. He has recorded 118 or more tackles in all six years of his NFL career. He had 132 tackles last year including being the leading tackler of the Super Bowl. He is a high-floor, tackling machine but not limited to exclusively that role. 

He recorded 11 passes defended, 4 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks in 2023. That gave him the nod for his third first-team All-Pro. The 49ers will have one of their all-time greats, Patrick Willis, inducted into the Hall of Fame this weekend. Fred Warner will join him one day, but he is still in his prime. Draft him early, as he should be one of the first ten IDPs drafted in almost all formats.

Nick Bosa came into the league with high expectations as the second overall selection of the 2019 NFL draft. He has delivered at every level too. He has recorded 53.5 sacks in four seasons (excluding his injured season with no sacks), and recorded 10.5 sacks last year. The 49ers wrapped up a long season but Bosa will come out in peak form.

The 49ers are essentially running it back with the same team as last year, which is a way of stating they believe in what they have. It starts with their offense, but Nick Bosa can finish any game with a big sack, strip, fumble. An act in one play that gives out massive points to defensive lineman. One Bosa excels at.

N. Bosa will be double-teamed, chipped, and rolled away from. Despite all of that he still remains a great IDP option, particularly in leagues that reward more for sacks. Leonard Flyod and Javon Hargrave are great teammates, and should ease the pressure off of Bosa. Look for another double digit sack season, and over two dozen QB hits.

Talanoa Hufanga was injured last year but still managed 52 tackles. He also recorded 3 interceptions and has the reputation of being a ball hawk. He has 7 total interceptions in his three year career. He is an excellent sideline to sideline defensive back.

He will be paired with Ji’Ayir Brown in the secondary as the 49ers can boast the best secondary of the NFL. Hufanga will be back close to 100 tackles, and have several passes defended along with a few interceptions. He is worth a late round look for your IDP leagues, but do not reach for him.

Tomorrow the Buffalo Bills.

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy