The 49ers posted two sacks and a takeaway in the 19-10 loss to the Bears in Week 1.

Analysis: We shouldn't read into this performance too much. There was a monsoon, after all. In Week 2, the Seahawks will come to San Francisco after a big win against the Broncos, and they're in danger of a letdown game. QB Geno Smith was sacked twice, and WR DK Metcalf lost a fumble in that contest, and they managed to put up just 17 points anyway. The 49ers' pass rush is menacing, and this unit should have a high floor against the Seahawks' sluggish offense.

S Jimmie Ward (hamstring) will begin the season on injured reserve.

Analysis: Safeties Talanoa Hufanga and George Odum will start the season at safety. The 49ers also added CB Charvarius Ward (groin) to their secondary -- which ranked sixth last year with this offseason with 206.6 yards allowed per game -- this offseason. They could see some regression in that category, though their front seven is mostly the same after a year where they ranked fifth in the league with 48 sacks. Regardless, they'll face the Bears and Seahawks to start the season. They're a top-10 defense…read more

DL Maurice Hurst is expected to miss the 2022 campaign after suffering a torn biceps during the first week of training camp.

Analysis: Hurst appeared in only two games last year while dealing with calf and ankle injuries, and he's now likely to miss all of 2022. As is tradition, San Francisco is dealing with multiple other injuires, with Jason Verrett (knee) on the PUP list while recovering from a torn ACL, and Hassan Ridgeway (quadriceps) and Arik Armstead (knee) picked up injuries early in camp. Nick Bosa will provide a solid floor for the pass rush, but the 49ers D/ST may need some better injury luck in order to be a top…read more

The 49ers ranked third in total defense (310.0 YPG) and tied-fifth in sacks (48) last year and return most of their defense.

Analysis: Injuries once again led to a slow start, but San Francisco rebounded quickly to put together a strong defensive camp. DE Nick Bosa had 15.5 sacks and will continue to lead the charge up front, while LB Fred Warner is a major stabilizer in the middle of the defense. CB Charvarius Ward should bolster the 49ers' pass coverage, which receives a major boost due to the fact the team rarely needs to blitz to pressure the quarterback.

The 49ers allowed 222 yards and seven points during the Week 17 win over the Texans and play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST recorded three sacks and one takeaway while giving up only 3.6 yards per play in a strong performance. Los Angeles had three giveaways last week as QB Matthew Stafford threw his fourth pick-six of the season, as the unit remains a boom-or-bust matchup for fantasy defenses. San Francisco benefitted from one of those pick-sixes in the previous matchup, but it's a risky proposition to rely on that level of playmaking. The 49ers D/ST is a poor option for Week 18.

The 49ers allowed 278 yards and 20 points during the Week 16 OT loss to the Titans and play the Texans on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST allowed only 4.8 yards per play and had four sacks, but zero takeaway limited the fantasy production of an otherwise solid performance. Week 17 will bring a perfect rebound opportunity against Houston and rookie QB Davis Mills, making the 49ers D/ST one of the top fantasy options for this weekend.

The 49ers allowed 275 yards and 13 points during the Week 15 win over the Falcons and play the Titans on Thursday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST had one takeaway and three sacks while limiting Atlanta to 13 first downs on the day. The undermanned Titans offense could be getting WR A.J. Brown (chest) back from injured reserve Thursday, which would be a big boost for the offense. Regardless, Tennessee has struggled to find much offensive consistency with Derrick Henry (foot) sidelined), and that's unlikely to change this week with Brown fresh off the injury, if available. The 49ers D/ST is a middling option with a…read more

The 49ers allowed 397 yards and 23 points during the Week 14 win over the Bengals and play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST had five sacks and two takeaways while also holding Cincinnati to 4-for-13 on third-down conversions. The unit has nine sacks and five takeaways across the past two games and has a strong matchup against a Falcons offense that averages 18.8 points. The 49ers D/ST is an above-average option for Week 15.

The 49ers allowed 327 yards and 28 offensive points during the Week 13 loss to the Seahawks and play the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST had four sacks and three takeaways while holding Seattle to 4.8 yards per play, but the Seattle offense still but up 28 points despite scoring only 28 over the previous three contests. The Bengals are coming off a rough game against the Chargers, as they had four giveaways and QB Joe Burrow was sacked six times. The offense is explosive but inconsistent, making the 49ers D/ST a middling option for Week 14 with some risky upside.

The 49ers gave up 323 yards and 26 points during the Week 12 win over the Vikings and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST allowed only 17 first downs as it provided modest fantasy output with one sack and two takeaways. The Seahawks ordinarily would be a tough matchup, but the offense has scuffled mightily since QB Russell Wilson returned from injured reserve (28 points in three games). Even if Seattle's offensive woes continue, it's a low-ceiling matchup since the unit still has strong ball security. The 49ers D/ST is a middling option for Week 13 with a limited ceiling, especially since…read more

The 49ers allowed 200 yards and 10 points during the Week 11 win over the Jaguars and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST unsurprisingly had a big day in Jacksonville with three sacks and two takeaways. That's back-to-back productive defensive performances from the 49ers, but a matchup with a strong Minnesota offense awaits this weekend. The Vikings have averaged 30.7 points over the past three games, and QB Kirk Cousins is in the midst of one of the best years of his career with elite weapons RB Dalvin Cook and WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. The 49ers D/ST is playing well of late…read more

The 49ers allowed 10 points and 278 yards during the Week 10 win over the Rams and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a statement game from the 49ers, as coach Kyle Shanahan proved he still has the number of Los Angeles. The San Fran D/ST had two sacks and two takeaways, including a pick-six from S Jimmie Ward. The 49ers have struggled defensively for much of the year but just put forth their best performance and will now face the Jaguars, which are near the bottom of the league in scoring (16.6 PPG) and giveaways (15). The 49ers D/ST certainly isn't a sure thing, but it's a strong option for Week 11…read more

The 49ers allowed 31 points and 437 yards during the Week 9 loss to the Cardinals and play the Rams on Monday.

Analysis: The absence of QB Kyler Murray (ankle) apparently didn't mean much, as backup Colt McCoy was efficient in the passing game and completed 22 of 26 attempts. San Francisco ranks 25th in scoring defense (25.3 PPG), tied-18th in sacks (18) and tied-30th in takeaways (five). The 49ers simply haven't been a strong defensive team this season, and the unit receive much fantasy consideration while going up against an explosive Rams offense.

The 49ers allowed 22 points and 324 yards during the Week 8 win over the Bears and play the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST recorded four sacks and one takeaway, but its inability to slow down QB Justin Fields on the ground (103 rushing yards) prevented a more lucrative fantasy effort. The 49ers are trending down for Week 9, as QB Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are coming off their first loss of the season. The 49ers D/ST hasn't been a worthwhile fantasy defense for much of the season, and the poor matchup this weekend leaves it as a fringe option.

The 49ers gave up 30 points and 295 yards during the Week 7 loss to the Colts and play the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco allowed only 4.9 yards per play, but turnovers from the offense helped Indianapolis total four scoring drives of fewer than 50 yards. The 49ers had one sack and two takeaways while giving up only 17 first downs. Rookie QB Justin Fields has struggled since taking over as the starter for Chicago, and the offense had six giveaways against Tampa Bay last week. The 49ers D/ST is one of the top fantasy options for Week 8 given the favorable matchup.

The 49ers come out of the bye week allowing 23.8 PPG and 329.8 YPG and will play the Colts on Sunday Night Football.

Analysis: San Fran went into the bye with a strong effort by limiting QB Kyler Murray and Arizona to 17 points, and the defense should be in a bit better shape after having an extra week to get healthy. QB Carson Wentz has solved most of his severe turnover issues from last year, and Indianapolis is averaging 27.7 points over the past three contests. Still, the Colts offense is hasn't been anything special outside RB Jonathan Taylor, leaving the 49ers D/ST as a solid option for Week 7, especially with so…read more

The 49ers allowed 234 yards and 28 points during the Week 4 loss to the Seahawks and play the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: The Seahawks were unable to consistently move the ball and totaled only 14 first downs while averaging only 4.3 yards per play, but they made those drives count by reaching the end zone. The San Fran D/ST recorded three sacks and zero takeaways, leading to minimal fantasy output. QB Kyler Murray is leading Arizona's high-scoring offense, which leads the league at 35.0 PPG. The 49ers D/ST remains a solid unit overall but isn't a great choice for Week 5 with the Cardinals on a roll.

The 49ers allowed 353 yards and 30 points during the Week 3 loss to the Packers and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Francisco D/ST was unable to disrupt QB Aaron Rodgers for most of the day, finishing with one sack and zero takeaways as the future Hall of Famer also delivered a 42-yard drive in 34 seconds to set up a game-winning field goal from Mason Crosby. Meanwhile, Seattle is coming off an ugly showing in Minnesota when it managed only 17 points, all of which were scored during the first half. The 49ers had trouble covering WR Davante Adams last week, and WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett present…read more

The 49ers allowed 328 yards and 11 points during the Week 2 win over the Eagles and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco kept Philadelphia out of the end zone until four minutes were left in the contest and also allowed only 18 first downs. There were no turnovers by either team, but the 49ers did manage a pair of sacks. It's not an overly exciting performance from a fantasy perspective, but it's a great sign to see San Francisco shutting down quality offense. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers present similar issues in Week 3, which will limit the ceiling for the 49ers D/ST even with another solid…read more

The 49ers gave up 430 yards and 33 points during the Week 1 win over the Lions and play the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco took a 31-10 lead into halftime, and Detroit staged a valiant comeback effort that came up short. LB Dre Greenlaw produced the 49ers' lone takeaway on the day with a pick-six, and the defense also registered three sacks. Overall it was a strong performance from the defense despite the Lions' second-half surge. QB Jalen Hurts looked fantastic Week 1 for the Eagles, and young WRs DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor both flashed their potential. The 49ers defensive talent will keep in on…read more

Safety Jaquiski Tartt (toe) was activated from the PUP list in late August and should start in San Francisco's season opener against Detroit on Sunday.

Analysis: The 49ers had terrible injury luck in 2020 and are poised for a bounce-back 2021 campaign as a result. They'll have a prime opportunity to start strong Sunday, as the Lions no longer have QB Matthew Stafford or top WR Kenny Golladay. QB Jared Goff will have his work cut out for him, as there's not much to offer as offensive weapons behind RB D'Andre Swift and TE T.J. Hockenson. The San Francisco D/ST is one of the top options for Week 1 against the new-look Lions.

The 49ers defense is managing numerous injuries in training camp, and S Jaquiski Tartt (toe) is on the PUP list.

Analysis: Tartt is the only significant contributor not on the active roster, so there's a chance the other players are only dealing with minor injuries. DE Nick Bosa (knee) remains on track to be ready for Week 1 as he returns from a torn ACL. Injuries are always a preseason concern, but especially for San Francisco after enduring an injury-riddled campaign in 2020. Thankfully there's still over three weeks for the unit to get healthy before Week 1.

DT Javon Kinlaw is easing into 49ers' training camp due to knee swelling.

Analysis: Kinlaw underwent minor knee surgery in January in is still experiencing some swelling. DEs Dee Ford (neck) and Nick Bosa (knee) are returning from their own injuries but are expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. San Francisco is coming off a season in which it was decimated by injuries, so it's even more important the unit is able to start the campaign fully healthy. Assuming the group has better injury luck in 2021, it should be one of the better defenses in the league.

DE Nick Bosa (knee) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Analysis:

The 49ers allowed 12 points and 350 yards during the Week 16 win over the Cardinals and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

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San Francisco surrendered 291 yards and 41 points during the Week 15 loss to Dallas and plays Arizona on Saturday.

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San Francisco gave up 193 yards and nine offensive points during the Week 14 loss to Washington and play Dallas on Sunday.

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The 49ers gave up 449 yards and 34 points during the Week 13 loss to the Bills and play Washington on Sunday.

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The 49ers gave up 308 yards and 13 offensive points during the Week 12 win over the Rams and play the Bills on Monday.

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The 49ers come out of their bye week ranked seventh in total defense (315.9 YPG) and 11th in scoring (23.4 PPG) as they head into Sunday's game against the Rams.

Analysis:

The 49ers gave up 405 yards and 34 points during the Week 9 loss to the Packers and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Aaron Rodgers had a stellar day and averaged 9.8 yards per attempt, while WR Davante Adams had 10 catches for 173 yards and a score. Unfortunately for San Francisco, things don't get much better in Week 10 as it heads to New Orleans, which just put down a beatdown on Tampa Bay's strong defense. The 49ers D/ST is once again a poor option this week while going up against QB Drew Brees and a Saints offense that excels in ball security (seven giveaways) and pass protection (10 sacks allowed).

The 49ers gave up 350 yards and 37 points during the Week 8 loss to the Seahawks and play the Packers on Thursday.

Analysis: San Fran had zero answer for WR DK Metcalf, as he had 12 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns. WR Davante Adams presents similar matchup problems in Week 9, as he has 20 catches for 249 yards and five touchdowns in the past two games. The Packers have only three giveaways and nine sacks allowed through seven games, so there may not be significant playmaking chances. The 49ers D/ST faces a tough matchup for the second consecutive week.

The 49ers allowed 241 yards and six points during the Week 7 win over the Patriots and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco entered the contest with only six takeaways all season, but it had four interceptions off Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham while holding New England to a pair of field goals. Russell Wilson is coming off a similar performance against the Cardinals as he threw three picks, but a repeat performance shouldn't be expected. The Seahawks has the top offense in the league in scoring (33.8 PPG) and yardage (425.2 YPG) and has yet to score fewer than 27 points in a game this season. The…read more

The 49ers allowed 311 yards and 16 points during the Week 6 win over the Rams and play the Patriots on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a solid defensive performance from San Francisco, yet it provided little fantasy production with one takeaway and zero sacks. The Patriots continue to lean on their run game (167.2 YPG and 5.1 YPC), and QB Cam Newton being farther removed from his absence due to COVID-19 should help after the offense was sluggish last week. The 49ers D/ST ranks in the bottom half of the league with six takeaways and 10 sacks, making it a middling fantasy matchup for Week 7. However, starters Jaquiski…read more

The 49ers surrendered 43 points and 436 yards during the Week 5 loss to the Dolphins and play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: It was an absolute thrashing from Miami as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick averaged 12.5 yards per attempt, and it could have been even worse as it settled for five field goals. San Francisco's injury issues remain a significant problem going forward, and the matchup against a more-talented Rams offense limits the outlook for the 49ers D/ST in Week 6.

The 49ers allowed 18 offensive points and 267 yards during the 25-20 loss to the Eagles and play the Dolphins on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco had one takeaway, three sacks and gave up only 4.5 yards per play, but three giveaways from QB Nick Mullins set up Philly nicely. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins are averaging 23.3 points and 347 yards and have protected the passer well (six sacks allowed) through four games, and they rank middle of the pack with five giveaways. However, Fitzpatrick's propensity for turnovers is well known, and he threw a pair of interceptions last week. The 49ers D/ST is still pretty banged…read more

The 49ers held the Giants to 231 yards and nine points during the Week 3 victory and play the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco had zero issues against New York despite the massive injury concerns, totaling two sacks and three takeaways. QB Carson Wentz is off to an atrocious start in 2020 with two interceptions in each game plus three total fumbles (one loss), and he's also been sacked 11 times. Wentz and the Philly offense very well could turn things around this season, but as of now it makes for an attractive fantasy matchup for the 49ers D/ST, even with the injuries.

DLs Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas suffered torn ACLs in Week 2 and are out for the season heading into Sunday's game against the Giants.

Analysis: It was a costly win against the Jets in the second game of the season, as DE Dee Ford (back) is also expected to miss at least one game. The matchup with the Giants in Week 3 remains an attractive option, but the 49ers are missing most of the teeth from a dominant front four while also missing their top corner Richard Sherman (calf). San Francisco has enough talent to remain on the fantasy radar in New York this week -- especially with RB Saquon Barkley (knee) sidelined -- but it's propensity…read more

CB Richard Sherman has an apparent leg injury and may be placed on injured reserve ahead of the Week 1 matchup with the Jets

Analysis: It would be a significant loss for the 49ers, who surrendered 24 points and 404 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Cardinals while recording one takeaway and two sacks. QB Kyler Murray had 230 passing yards and 91 rushing yards with two total touchdowns, but they won't be facing a dual-threat option of that caliber most weeks. A matchup with the Jets is a welcome sight, as New York managed only 17 points with two giveaways and three sacks allowed in the season opener. It's worth keeping an eye on…read more

The 49ers will play the Cardinals in the season opener Sunday afternoon.

Analysis: It's a solid matchup on paper for San Fran and its potent pass rush, as Arizona ranked tied-26th in sacks allowed (50) last season, and much of the offensive line is familiar faces. However, the addition of DeAndre Hopkins to the receiving corps completely changes the complexion of the offense, providing QB Kyler Murray a top-tier weapon for his second season. The 49ers D/ST is a high-floor option based on their success last season, but the Cardinals took good care of the ball (tied-ninth with…read more

The 49ers ranked second in total defense (281.8 YPG), eighth in scoring (19.4 PPG), tied-fifth in sacks (48) and sixth in takeaways (27) last season.

Analysis: The departure of DeForest Buckner can't be overstated, but if there's one team that can manage the talent loss, it's the 49ers. First-round pick DT Javon Kinlaw should step into the starting role, and the rest of the defense remains intact. Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Arik Armstead should again lead one of the most potent pass rushes in the league.

The 49ers allowed 395 yards and 31 points to the Rams in Week 16 and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco struggled to stop the Rams for most of the contest with zero sacks and one takeaway, but that one takeaway proved pivotal as Fred Warner returned an interception for a touchdown. The 49ers still rank second in total defense (277.4 YPG), eighth in scoring (19.3 PPG), tied-fifth in takeaways (27) and fifth in sacks (47), but they're allowing 35.3 points in the last three games. QB Russell Wilson remains one of the most efficient signal callers in the league, but the Seahawks are…read more

The 49ers allowed 290 yards during the Week 15, 29-22 loss to the Falcons and play the Rams on Saturday.

Analysis: The Falcons scored on touchdown on the final play as the 49ers attempted a last-ditch lateral, and they provided little value with only two sacks and one takeaway. The return of CB Richard Sherman (hamstring) should help this weekend,as San Fran attempts to replicate its previous performance against Los Angeles after it gave up only 157 yards. The 49ers D/ST should be a solid option once again in Week 16.

The 49ers allowed 465 yards during the Week 14, 48-46 win over the Saints and play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The San Fran defense had its first major dud of the season, as it had only one sack and zero takeaways. Week 15 presents a much more friendly matchup, as the Falcons rank tied-21st in giveaways (21) and tied-24th in sacks allowed (41). Atlanta still has some quality weapons -- assuming Devonta Freeman (knee) and Julio Jones (shoulder) are available to play -- but there's no reason to suggest the San Francisco D/ST won't return to its more typical 2019 form as a solid fantasy option.

The 49ers allowed 283 yards during the Week 13, 20-17 loss to the Ravens and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco put forth a fantastic defensive effort, giving up only 4.6 yards per play and stifling the passing game, but QB Lamar Jackson still did just enough on the ground (16 carries for 101 yards and one TD) to help secure the win for Baltimore. Howver, only one sack and one takeway meant limited fantasy output. Week 14 presents another tough challenge versus New Orleans, again on the road. The 49ers D/ST has been good enough to trust against essentially all comers in 2019, but it's still…read more

The 49ers held the Packers to 198 yards and eight points in Week 12 and will play the Ravens on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco had zero problem shutting down QB Aaron Rodgers, as he was sacked five times and averaged a paltry 3.2 yards per pass. Week 13 brings forward a bigger challenge in QB Lamar Jackson, who's led Baltimore to 40-plus points in three straight games. The 49ers D/ST has proven it's worth standing by week in and week out regardless of matchup, but the Ravens are currently the hottest offense in the league and feature the MVP frontrunner. It's a solid idea to at least check out available…read more

The 49ers gave up 266 yards and 26 points to the Cardinals in Week 11 and will play the Packers on Sunday Night Football.

Analysis: San Fran had trouble stopping QB Kyler Murray on the ground (eight carries for 67 yards and one TD), but otherwise was able to hold Arizona's offense in check. The 49ers continue to be one of the top defenses in the league but the Packers represent a tough matchup. The San Francisco D/ST is a safe bet to get at least a couple sacks, but QB Aaron Rodgers' and Green Bay's ball security (only seven giveaways) keeps it a middling matchup, at best.

The 49ers gave up 336 yards in Monday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Seahawks and will play the Cardinals in Week 11.

Analysis: San Fran racked up five sacks and four takeaways, including a fumble return for a touchdown. The 49ers still rank second in the league in total defense (251.6 YPG), scoring (14.3 PPG) and sacks (35), while also being third in takeaways (20). Rookie QB Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are tied for the league lead in giveaways (six), but the 49ers remain a quality fantasy option in Week 11.