San Francisco 49ers: 2024 best prop bets and fantasy draft value
The sweat may be pooling up in all the wrong places, but, before you know it, changing leaves, cool temperatures and football will be in the air. To help fantasy managers and devoted bettors get through summer’s soaring heat, The Gaming Juice’s resident gridiron gambler, Brad Evans, is here to preview each NFL franchise — fantasy values, prop picks and team win totals. Channeling Richard Dent, Reggie White and J.J. Watt, the Three-Point Stance has eyes on sacking the sportsbooks and fantasy rivals.
Today’s featured squad: San Francisco 49ers.
Fantasy value — Brock Purdy, QB (ADP: 123.10, QB11)
Hey, wait-on-a-QB crowd, ain’t he so Purdy? The 2022 NFL Draft’s Mr. Irrelevant has surprised and then some, developing into one of the game’s most indispensable cornerstones. Last season, he finished QB6 in fantasy points, amassing 4,280 pass yards, 33 total touchdowns (including two rushing TDs) and 144 rushing yards.
Purdy’s surface numbers were terrific, but where he really thrived was in several advanced metrics. In almost every completion percentage category, he finished top-five, including deep ball, play action, under pressure and red zone. Whether facing man or zone schemes, he was the picture of efficiency.
[ Gamer's Guide to the Gridiron: Fantasy football forecasts and NFL betting picks ]
Question marks do remain this offseason with Brandon Aiyuk, a minicamp holdout who's attempting to leverage a new contract. His TikTok post on Monday stoked all kinds of speculation. Still, with other teams recently backing up the truck on extensions tied to star wide receivers Justin Jefferson, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, it's possible the 49ers' once heavily rumored trade piece stays in the Bay.
If Aiyuk inks a fresh contract, complete offensive continuity will be reestablished. In that scenario, a repeat of last season’s production is likely for Purdy — even behind a projected average offensive line.
Prop pick — Christian McCaffrey OVER 10.5 rushing touchdowns (-120, DraftKings)
Business is booming at the CMC Football Factory. Whether via ground or air, the man consistently and steadily moves the chains. He’s also a bloodhound for the chalk. Last year, he scored in 13 of 16 regular-season games with 14 TDs coming on the ground. In total, McCaffrey compiled the most red-zone touches of any NFL running back with 79.
Fantasy Nerd has McCaffrey projected with the 10th-easiest fantasy schedule among RBs. Please, like you needed another reason to draft him No. 1 overall in your league.
Though the Gold Panners don’t boast a stellar line, CMC should rush for at least 11 scores, provided tendons remain intact.
Team lean — OVER 11.5 wins (+116, FanDuel)
Not all projections are foolproof. Unexpected injuries and ineptitude are bound to occur. However, if Kyle Shanahan and company can avoid major pitfalls, they should contend for a Super Bowl title.
ESPN’s Mike Clay forecasts the 49ers to win 12.4 games, giving them a 60% or better win probability in all 17 contests. Heck, if you’re fully invested in that happening, just sprinkle some action on San Francisco to win all home games (+1600) and to win all road contests (+2500) at BetMGM.