The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

It was a dream season for the 49ers in a lot of ways…that is right up until the end. The 49ers won the NFC and made it to the Super Bowl. The 49ers had some peaks and valleys, including a three-game losing streak in the regular season. But they were a good team, especially on offense and for fantasy. This off-season the team added some pieces but hung on to its core players. As long as looming contract disputes don’t play a role, and they don’t catch the injury bug, the 49ers again figure to be one of the best teams in the NFC.

Off-Season Changes

The 49ers lost some pieces on defense. Arik Armstead, Chase Young, Randy Gregory, Clelin Ferrell, and Javon Kinlaw all signed with new teams this off-season. That will test the 49ers’ depth as the work under a new defensive coordinator. On offense, the team saw backup Sam Darnold sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but replaced him with a capable veteran in Josh Dobbs. They also added veterans on defense, like Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos, along with veterans on offense, like Chris Conley and Logan Thomas.

In the draft, it looked like the 49ers were keeping an eye on the future using a First-Round selection on Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall. In the last two seasons at Florida, Pearsall caught 98 passes for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns. He figures to give them another passing game weapon. The team added Renardo Green, a Corner, and Dominic Puni, a tackle, in the draft as well. Later, the 49ers added insurance at receiver with Jacob Cowing and at running back with Isaac Guerendo.

Fantasy Prospects

The 49ers have third-year quarterback Brock Purdy locked in as the starter. While Dobbs and Kyle Allen provide veteran depth, there’s little question Purdy is the man. In 2023, his first full year as a starter, he finished as QB6 and led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He isn’t flashy, but in this offense with these weapons he’s a low-end QB1 for me. I also like him quite a bit in dynasty.

In the backfield, Christian McCaffrey was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year and was on the short-list for MVP. He finished as RB1, posting 100 more points than RB2 Breece Hall. He rushed for 1,459 yards and caught 67 passes for 564 yards, accounting for 21 total touchdowns. He’s an RB1 in fantasy. The 49ers also have Elijah Mitchell, an incredible backup. If McCaffrey misses time, he has RB1 potential, too. I like him more in dynasty than re-draft.

In the passing game, the 49ers were led by receivers Brandon Aiyuk (WR14), Deebo Samuel (WR15) and tight end George Kittle (TE5). All three are back, and all three are weekly starts. I like Aiyuk to finish as the top receiver, especially in a contract year. The only problem with the 49ers is with such an embarrassment of riches everyone can’t max out each week. You’re still starting these three, but with McCaffrey out there, most likely only one or two will post good games each week. Among other weapons, Jauan Jennings is a decent third receiver. He only has weekly value if one of the starters goes down, and even then, he’ll be competing with Pearsall now. I don’t think either is a weekly starter in 2023, but Pearsall has great dynasty value.

Prediction

The 49ers are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. The only hiccup this off-season has been Aiyuk and star tackle Trent Williams wanting new contracts. I suspect both those issues get settled enough that both will be on the field this season. And I expect this team to be good. I think the 49ers will win the NFC West again and be a top playoff contender.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.