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.