One thing you can usually count on is that a San Francisco 49ers running back will have a good game. Working out which one has caused some problems in the past, but Elijah Mitchell has taken the lead for most of the season. With Jeff Wilson Jr. activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, what does his fantasy football outlook look like for Week 11?
Jeff Wilson Jr. is finding his role in the offense
In Week 10, Wilson played his first game of the season against the 49ers’ divisional foe Los Angeles Rams. He rushed 10 times for 28 yards. While it wasn’t the most impressive stat line, fantasy managers will be interested in the volume. Wilson has averaged 4.4 yards per carry throughout his career, so he should see more efficient games moving forward.
Excluding his rookie season — when he rushed 66 times without scoring — Wilson’s been a touchdown threat for most of his career. Since 2019, he has scored 11 rushing touchdowns on 163 carries. On average, he is scoring once every 14.8 carries. If his role can remain consistent, he should be more productive.
More than just a fantasy handcuff
While Mitchell dominated the backfield last week, carrying the ball 27 times for 91 yards, Wilson was the clear second option. Rookie Trey Sermon, meanwhile, is an afterthought in the offense despite the team using a third-round draft pick on him.
Wilson is used to playing second fiddle. Last season, he rushed 126 times for 600 yards and 7 touchdowns behind Raheem Mostert. He also caught 13 of 28 targets for 133 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. While it wasn’t always consistent or easy to predict, 10 touchdowns in 12 games is impressive for a player who primarily operated as a backup.
Mitchell is currently dealing with a broken finger and, as of Sunday morning, is expected to miss Week 11. This makes Wilson is a strong start. We know that the 49ers will still want to run the ball, and Wilson has the experience to be the fill-in bell cow.
Wilson should have opportunities this week
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a middling defense this season, allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. However, game script should favor San Francisco’s running backs, as the 49ers enter Week 11 as favorites. The Jaguars, entering the game with a 2-7 record, also have the fifth-worst point differential in the league. They’ve allowed 83 more points than they’ve scored this season.
Assuming the 49ers meet expectations, they’ll be in position to run the ball often as they attempt to bleed the clock and secure the victory. This will be good news for Wilson, with his role likely to grow as the 49ers’ lead does. With Mitchell expected to be out of the lineup, Wilson becomes a solid RB2 option on the week with RB1 potential.