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Unamused 49ers GM: Cool it with Kyle Shanahan 'hot seat' talk

Fri Dec 6 4:55pm ET
Field Level Media

Seven losses in a season is unfamiliar territory for the San Francisco 49ers.

With two Super Bowl appearances in five seasons, general manager John Lynch openly admits the 49ers haven't earned the right to be called "as good" as the 2023 NFC championship group.

San Francisco is 5-7 but only two games behind NFC West-leading Seattle with five games remaining as the Chicago Bears (4-8) arrive Sunday.

"I've found the whole discussion on Kyle rather comical," Lynch said in an interview Friday with KNBR in San Francisco. "We have won four of the last five division championships. We've been to two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win championships, and we've fallen short of that, I understand.

"But we have an excellent head coach, and the fact that people are talking about stuff like that, I do find it comical. We're 100 percent behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization. Like I said, our focus is really on the Bears and doing everything we can. That's where Kyle's focus is, and that's where all our focus is."

San Francisco lost 35-10 in the snow at Buffalo last Sunday night and the 49ers placed their top two running backs on injured reserve due to injuries in that game. Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) could return for Week 18 at Arizona if the 49ers are still fighting for a playoff spot.

In a top-down ranking of NFC teams by record and playoff position, the 49ers are No. 11 entering Week 14.

"You are what your record says you are in this league, and that isn't very good. So I think we've been through a lot as a team, this current team with a lot of stuff that has happened to members of our organization. Injuries, tragic circumstances, ultimately those are just excuses. One thing I can tell you is I'm proud of how this group has stuck together, had each other's back. The other thing I can tell you is the story's not written yet. We're still grinding, and we're still playing."

The 49ers last missed the postseason in 2020 with a record of 6-10 that followed an appearance in the Super Bowl -- San Francisco's first title game loss of two to the Kansas City Chiefs.

San Francisco's upcoming schedule after Sunday includes a short week before playing the division rival Rams on Thursday, at Miami (Dec. 22), a Monday night matchup with the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30 and the finale against the Cardinals.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
DeVonta Smith Dec 6 4:30pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was removed from the Week 14 injury report and will return on Sunday to face the visiting Carolina Panthers. Smith returned to full practices this week and will be on the field this weekend after missing the last two contests due to a hamstring ailment. It's good news for the Eagles, as they'll be without tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) for this one. Before his hamstring injury, the 26-year-old pass-catcher had two disappointing games, combining for six receptions on nine targets for only 43 yards and no touchdowns. Fantasy managers probably aren't in a rush to throw Smith back into their starting fantasy lineups, especially if he's at risk of having his snaps limited in his return. The Panthers defense has been much more vulnerable on the ground than through the air this year. Consider Smith to be a shaky WR3/flex in his return in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 6 4:30pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (quadriceps) is optimistic that he will play in Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers despite being listed as questionable for Sunday's game on Friday's final injury report. Moore injured his quadriceps muscle while running a wheel route early in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions last Thursday but played the rest of the game. "I play through everything," Moore said. The 27-year-old caught eight of a season-high 16 targets for 97 yards and his fifth touchdown of the year on Turkey Day, and he had a season-high 106 receiving yards and a score the previous week in the overtime loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers will want to check back in on Moore's status for Sunday's game, but as long as he's active, he should be locked into starting fantasy lineups as a WR2 against San Fran.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Dec 6 4:20pm CT
Taysom Hill

The New Orleans Saints officially placed tight end Taysom Hill (knee) on Injured Reserve on Friday. In addition to suffering an ACL tear in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Hill also suffered additional damage to his left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. It's a tough blow for the 34-year-old and the Saints offense after Hill had 188 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns just two weeks ago. He did it all for the Saints on offense and special teams and will be sorely missed the rest of the way, which should lead to even more volume for running back Alvin Kamara. Hill's fantasy value was peaking just before his injury. He should have already been dropped in redraft leagues, and Hill's availability for the start of the 2025 season could be in jeopardy. Tight end Juwan Johnson becomes stream-worthy in Week 14 against the Giants with six teams on bye.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Dec 6 4:20pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) was limited in practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Week 14 against the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Meyers popped up on the Week 14 injury report on Thursday with an ankle injury and did not practice. However, he returned to practice and is expected to be available this weekend, so fantasy managers need to leave him locked into all starting fantasy lineups with high-end WR2 upside. In quarterback Aidan O'Connell's return to a starting role in last week's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, Meyers caught six of 11 targets for 97 yards. The previous week in the loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos, Meyers had 10 catches on a season-high 15 targets for a season-high 121 yards. Meyers could go off again against a Bucs defense that has been a top-10 matchup for wideouts in PPR setups in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 6 4:10pm CT
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Matthew Coller. Reichard has been on the injured reserve and sat out over the previous four contests. However, seeing him return to a full participant during this week's practices is a promising sign he may be able to return to action. Before the injury, the Alabama product held an 87.5% FG% and went 23-for-23 on extra-point attempts. In addition, he was also 4-for-5 on 50+ yard field goal attempts. If Reichard cannot suit up, fantasy managers should expect John Parker Romo to continue to operate as the No.1 kicker in Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 6 4:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle, personal) has officially been ruled out for the Week 14 game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, while defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique) is considered doubtful to play. Williams will miss his third straight game due to an ankle injury, and he's also been grieving the loss of his son, so it's unclear when the All-Pro left tackle will actually return. The Niners next play next Thursday night in a divisional battle against the Los Angeles Rams. It's bad news for a Niners offense that will be without running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) for the rest of the season, and possibly Jordan Mason (ankle) as well. Meanwhile, Bosa is likely to miss his third straight game. The 27-year-old hasn't practiced since getting injured in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite Bosa's absence, the Niners defense/special teams is stream-worthy against a banged-up Bears offense.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Dec 6 4:00pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) logged a full practice on Friday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Cooks opened the week as a limited participant, but seeing him already upgrade to full participation suggests he will not have an injury designation for Monday night's game. Cooks returned from his seven-game absence on Thanksgiving and caught three of his seven targets for 16 yards and a score. Cooks was sidelined due to a knee infection he suffered following a minor procedure. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Saturday's practice, but he should be expected to suit up on Monday. Despite his modest output last weekend, fantasy managers should view him as a solid WR3, as he will likely operate as the No.2 wideout in the Dallas passing attack going forward.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 6 3:50pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) was a limited participant during Friday's practice, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Lamb aggravated a shoulder injury during their Thanksgiving victory over the New York Giants but expressed that he expects to be ready for Monday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Saturday's final practice in case he carries an injury designation. Lamb averaged a solid 17.7 PPR points per game during Weeks 11 and 12 but took a step back on Thanksgiving when he got hurt, scoring only 5.9 PPR points. However, fantasy managers should view Lamb as a low-end WR1 facing the Bengals, who have allowed the 10th-most PPR points to opposing WRs this season.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 6 3:40pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is off the injury report and is good to go for Sunday's divisional matchup against the New York Jets. Hill opened the week as a non-participant and was then upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday. Hill was then able to log a full session on Friday which is why he does not carry an injury designation. Hill has been dealing with this wrist injury for some time but has yet to miss a game due to it. After tallying a mere 9.8 PPR points in Week 12, Hill enjoyed a nice bounce-back in Week 13 when he posted 20.8 PPR points against the Green Bay Packers. Fantasy managers should still view Hill as a bona fide WR1 despite a tough matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing WRs this season.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Dec 6 3:30pm CT
Zamir White

According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, Las Vegas Raiders running backs Zamir White (quadriceps) has been ruled out, and Alexander Mattison (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White will now miss his third-straight contest. Mattison has remained a limited participant during this week's practices and could be in line to return following his two-game absence. Over the past two weeks, veteran Ameer Abdullah has operated as the lead back and averaged a modest 33.5 rushing with 25.5 receiving yards per game. However, depth option Sincere McCormick has shown flashes over this stint, as he has posted a solid 5.7 yards per carry. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mattison's status over the weekend as he would likely reclaim his lead role if he can suit up on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is on the streaming radar with six teams on a bye in Week 14. Seattle will travel to play the Arizona Cardinals who are the No. 15 defense against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. Smith has not produced high-end numbers since the Seahawks' Week 10 bye as the team has slowed the game down and reduced its passing volume. However, the Cardinals are always a possible bet to put up large numbers offensively. As such, the Seahawks could be forced to take to the air more. Smith's yardage has been stellar all season, but his touchdowns have been lacking. He has only thrown two since the bye week. If the touchdowns can improve this week, there is no doubt that Smith will finish as a top-10 quarterback. You could do a lot worse than Smith in your lineup this week.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) has been ruled out for Week 14's tilt against the Carolina Panthers, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Philly. Goedert sustained this injury during last weekend's victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The tight end was initially deemed week-to-week following the game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status next week, as he could be in danger of missing more time. This week, Goedert was unable to participate in any team practices this week. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Grant Calcaterra to see most of the snaps facing a weak Carolina secondary. Calcaterra should be viewed as a decent TE2 this weekend as the Panthers have surrendered the most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) has a chance for solid volume in Week 14. Upon his return from injury, Fant stepped right back into the starting role and earned four targets. He only gained 26 yards on three receptions, but his involvement was notable. Fant had begun to emerge prior to his injury. He had recorded two games with at least 63 receiving yards. He will likely record somewhere between his usual five and eight fantasy points this week when Seattle plays the Arizona Cardinals. That is a wide range of outcomes making him a dart throw in deep leagues and likely off the radar in normal 10- to 12-team leagues. Additionally, it remains to be seen how the emergence of rookie tight end AJ Barner will affect Fant's outlook moving forward as he gets healthier. Barner scored the Seahawks' only receiving touchdown in Week 13 and flashed solid talent while filling in as the starter.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 6 3:20pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) is off the injury report and cleared for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Arizona Cardinals. Metcalf opened the week as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice but was then downgraded on Thursday to a non-participant. However, the wideout avoided carrying an injury designation into Sunday's game and will be a full go. Metcalf also battled this shoulder injury last week but was also able to play through it. Over his previous three contests, Metcalf had averaged 65.0 yards per game with 11.5 PPR points per game, which is a stark decrease compared to his performances over Weeks 2 through 7, when he averaged a strong 89.8 yards. Despite his slump, fantasy managers should still view Metcalf as a solid WR2 facing the Cardinals, who have allowed the 13th-most PPR points to opposing WRs this season.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams has come back to life over the last three weeks. After holding the San Francisco 49ers to just 17 points in Week 11, they proceeded to score a touchdown in both Weeks 12 and 13. The defensive turnaround coincides with Seattle's bye week. It appears that this team made significant adjustments that have them playing much better of late. Their Week 14 foe is the Arizona Cardinals. This unit scored 19 fantasy points against Arizona in Week 12. The question is which Cardinals team will show up on Sunday? Most importantly, which version of quarterback Kyler Murray will the Seahawks face? Murray has been highly volatile this season. He is either spot on, or he looks like a young quarterback in over his head. He certainly looked that way in Week 12. If Seattle can continue to generate pressure (9 sacks over the last three weeks) and force turnovers (four forced turnovers over the last three weeks) then this is a unit you can start in Week 14. Tread lightly as the Cardinals can turn things on at any moment. However, with defenses such as the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos on a bye in Week 14, you could do worse than the Seahawks D/ST.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett does not deserve a spot in your lineup and possibly even on your roster in Week 14. The Seahawks will travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals. Lockett has had some huge games in Arizona in the past, but the No. 2 wide receiver role in Seattle's offense has shifted to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett has not earned more than four targets since Week 7, and he has not exceeded three receptions during that same span. With fellow wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) off the injury report, this will be the Metcalf and Smith-Njigba show once again. Lockett will be a chain mover on a couple of important plays in this game. However, he will be more important to the Seahawks' success than that of your fantasy team.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Walker opened the week as a limited participant but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to the Michigan State product's status over the weekend, as he may end up being a game-time decision. Walker has seen a slight dip in production, averaging just 48.0 rushing yards per game over the past three weeks. If Walker cannot play, fantasy managers should view Zach Charbonnet as a high-end RB2 as he will likely operate as the workhorse option against an Arizona rush defense that has allowed the 14th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet suddenly finds himself in a potential starting position in Week 14 when Seattle travels to Arizona to play the Cardinals. With starting running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf) experiencing a mid-week downgrade from limited participant to DNP in practice, his status for this weekend is up in the air. Charbonnet was an RB2 in games Walker missed earlier this season. He is always a solid bet to score a goal line touchdown, and he is a solid pass catcher. His volume should be massive if Walker misses given the Seahawks' attempt as well to reestablish the running game over the last few weeks. If Walker plays, Charbonnet will fall right back into his usual backup role. Even if Walker is limited, Charbonnet likely does not merit much starting consideration in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. Irving missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to play this weekend. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the impressive 22-year-old's status on Sunday morning. If he's active, Irving needs to be in all starting fantasy lineups in a plus matchup against the two-win Raiders as Tampa's most explosive and productive back in 2024. If Irving is held out, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would split the backfield work on Sunday, with White having clear RB2 upside for fantasy managers. Irving has found the end zone six times on the ground in his first 12 NFL games and is averaging a strong 5.5 yards per carry on 133 rushing attempts in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba looks like he may be the Seahawks' best fantasy option at wide receiver once again in Week 14. Smith-Njigba has been on a tear lately that has him sitting at WR9 on the season. He has not recorded less than 69 receiving yards since Week 7, and he has already matched his rookie season touchdown total of four. If Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith could increase his touchdown output, Smith-Njigba would be unstoppable in fantasy. The Seahawks will travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals in Week 14. The Cardinals are No. 17 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. While they are not a pushover defense, they should not scare anyone. The last time these teams met, Seattle only scored 16 points. However, Smith-Njigba caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. He should be able to match that output in Week 14.

From RotoBaller