RADIO
The 2024 NFL season has been brutal for the San Francisco 49ers as they sit at a disappointing 5-7 record heading into Week 14.
Once considered a Super Bowl contender, the team has been plagued by injuries to key players, most notably those being running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. This has left the 49ers scrambling to find answers on offense, and in a year where you might expect other players to step up, that hasn't been the case for Deebo Samuel Sr.
A player who used to be known for being a game-changer, Deebo has just 38 receptions for 561 yards and one touchdown on the year. He's managed only two Top-12 WR finishes all year, leaving many questioning his abilities in fantasy. So, should you consider benching Samuel in Week 14 for fantasy football? Let's dive in!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
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- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Should I Bench Deebo Samuel Sr. for Fantasy Football?
What happened to Samuel in 2024? This guy used to terrorize defenses with his ability to rack up massive yards after the catch and contribute well to the running game, but he hasn't looked anywhere near as explosive this season.
With McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, both sidelined for Week 14, there is a chance for Samuel to see more manufactured touches, especially in the running game.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on Deebo Samuel this season:
“I think we all could be doing things better..He hasn’t had as many opportunities for the big play. He had a couple that he just missed…but I think it’s more of a trickle down from the whole offense….Like to get Deebo going… pic.twitter.com/RJyqY6CbPN
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 6, 2024
Nonetheless, it's hard to overlook the overall inconsistency from Deebo this season. The 49ers offense hasn't been firing on all cylinders, and he has been more of a floor play than anything. But with six teams on a bye in Week 14, we might not be afforded that luxury.
Who Should I Pickup in Week 14 Fantasy Football?
At this point, players like Elijah Moore (CLE), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO), and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) are intriguing options on the waiver wire, but given all of the skill players out around Samuel in Week 14, playing him at least for one more week is probably still the move.
Is Deebo Samuel at the point of droppable???
Has finished better than WR40 just twice in the past 9 games and is WR74 in FPPG in that time.
— Grand Central Fantasy (@GrandCentralFan) December 7, 2024
Deebo's versatility and potential for big plays still make him a viable option for fantasy this week, especially if you need a spark to make the fantasy playoffs.
It's not a comfortable situation by any means, but it's always better to bet on talent and hope for the best, and talent is something we know that Deebo still has plenty of.
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