The 13-2 Detroit Lions travel to San Francisco to play the 6-9 49ers on Monday Night Football one last time before fighting for the division in Week 18. Although the result of this game changes nothing in terms of the Lions’ seeding, they are playing their starters. Detroit will play for the NFC North division title in Week 18 at home against the 14-2 Minnesota Vikings. The Lions will be licking their chops against a disappointing 49ers team that has star players ruled out with nothing to play for.
Lions vs. 49ers DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
George Kittle ($6K DraftKings; $7.7K Fanduel)
Although it was a down year for San Francisco, George Kittle has had a repeat season like last year. The All-Pro tight end is 33 yards away from 1,000 and 55 yards from surpassing his 2023 season. The 49ers will likely feature him to hit his season-long goals and he could easily get multiple touchdowns.
Sam LaPorta ($4.9K DraftKings; $6.3K Fanduel)
Sam LaPorta isn’t featured in this offense like last year as a rookie, but he does get a chance to showcase some late-season prowess. While Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St.Brown are the Detroit Lion’s weapons to key in on at receiver, I wouldn’t be surprised if LaPorta lands in the endzone. He is coming off a touchdown game against the Chicago Bears and the week before, the young tight end had a 7-catch, 111-yard game.
Lions vs. 49ers DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Craig Reynolds ($4K DraftKings; $5.1K Fanduel)
I don’t think the Lions will lessen Jahmyr Gibb’s workload in this game, but that is dependent on whether the 49ers can keep pace. Still, we haven’t seen Craig Reynolds take that many carries away, with the most being 4 against the Bears. I think Detroit will look to light up the scoreboard early through Gibbs and the passing game. The Lions get their touchdowns through Gibbs, St. Brown, LaPorta, Williams, and even Tim Patrick as of late.
Ricky Pearsall ($4.2K DraftKings; $5K Fanduel)
The former first-round rookie receiver will likely not be a focal point for the 49ers. Ricky Pearsall is seeing not much usage, with Jauan Jennings and even Deebo Samuel getting most of the receiving work. Unless he catches a touchdown, Pearsall is not a consistent enough option to get meaningful looks in this game. However, a rookie who could see enough work to pay off is running back Isaac Guerendo now that he is healthy.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Jahmyr Gibbs ($8.5K DraftKings; $9K Fanduel)
Gibbs is basically a lock to get 20-plus points for fantasy, as they will likely try to score as much as possible early. Even if the starters do sit out a quarter at the end, it will be because Gibbs has a touchdown or 2 and multiple targets with double-digit carries.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Deebo Samuel ($5.7K DraftKings; $6.8K Fanduel)
Jennings has been their top receiver but Samuel is coming off his best usage and stat line against the Miami Dolphins. However, I think that is more a flash in the pan compared to the entire 2024 season, as Deebo will have to score to pay off compared to the inconsistent volume he has gotten this year.
