George

Kittle

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the 49ers will receive a fifth-round pick in the deal. Quarterback Jayden Daniels led the team to the postseason in his rookie year, doing so with an all-new coaching staff to boot. The team now adds a veteran “Queen chess piece” in Samuel, a player that is capable of adding numerous layers to an offense already one of the more dynamic units in the league. The addition of Samuel is likely to generate more one-on-one matchups for Terry McLaurin on the perimeter, boosting the fantasy expectations of both players in the process. Brandon Aiyuk has also been rumored to be a potential trade candidate out of San Francisco this offseason, but he would stand to benefit should he remain in the bay area. As too would veteran tight end George Kittle, the latter of whom has held drastic splits with Samuel on and off the field the previous three seasons.

Although Kittle missed his standard two games with injury, he sailed by his 2023 marks of 65/1,020/6 with 78/1,106/8. Brandon Aiyuk’s knee injury had a lot to do with that, but Kittle was stacking scores even before Aiyuk’s absence. The true spiked weeks did not arrive until after, however, with Kittle erupting for four 100-yard performances, including a 151-yarder in Week 14 against the Bears. Although he’s going on 32 with a lengthy injury history, Kittle has shown zero signs of decline when active on Sundays. One of the league’s best all-around players who could be headed for another All-Pro designation, Kittle should remain a fantasy monster in 2025. Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel (potential release) both have uncertain Niners futures. Kittle himself is angling for an extension heading into his walk year.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see Kittle on something of a snap count, but the fact that he’s active at all for this meaningless game suggests the injuries are as minor as possible. With Josh Dobbs under center, Kittle is an uncertain DFS bet, albeit one who always offers massive upside. Inactive for the 49ers are QB Brock Purdy, WR Deebo Samuel, CB Deommodore Lenoir, EDGE Robert Beal Jr., CB Tre Avery, DT Khalil Davis and RB Israel Abanikanda.

Kittle did not practice on Wednesday but was back on the practice field for the next two sessions. He is a true game-time call for Week 18. With nothing left to play for, the 49ers could hold him out even if he is healthy enough to play. Eric Saubert would likely draw the start if he is held out. With Josh Dobbs under center, there isn’t much fantasy value to be had here.

Kittle was able to get in a limited session after missing Wednesday’s practice. The 31-year-old should be healthy enough to play, but the 49ers will take no risk with Kittle in a game that doesn’t have any significance on the standings.

Kittle evidently exited his team’s Week 17 game against the Lions very banged up. He may push to play but with Brock Purdy (elbow) already ruled out, it stands to reason that the 6-10 49ers will likely choose to rest their stud tight end.

Kittle remained Mr. Consistency as he caught all eight targets thrown his way, seven of which were thrown by starting quarterback Brock Purdy and one of which was thrown from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs following Purdy’s departure with a throwing arm injury late in the fourth quarter. The nature of the injury and timing, with the team playing on Monday night, could lead to Dobbs starting under center in Week 18 when the 49ers take on the Cardinals. Dobbs has been known to target tight ends frequently throughout his career, something that late-season gamers would do well to take note of should he start next week.

It was business as usual for the superstar tight end. He led the 49ers in catches and yards while tying Deebo Samuel for a team-high in targets. The only missing piece was a touchdown and a 49ers tight end did score in this game. That, however, was Eric Saubert on a play-action catch from two yards out. It was a great fantasy outing even without the touchdown and Kittle topped 100 yards for the third time in three weeks. He will push for a TE1 overall ranking when the 49ers take on the Lions in Week 17.

Kittle found space on easily the longest play of the game for the 49ers on a 33-yard connection with Brock PUrdy. He also just missed on a long gain down the sideline on a play that probably should have drawn a flag. It’s a far cry from his 6-151 line against the Bears the previous week, but considering Purdy only threw for 142 yards all day, this could have been a lot worse. He should find some open space again in Week 16 against the Dolphins.

Kittle regularly ran freely up the sideline post-catch with the Bears seemingly incapable of guarding him. He averaged 25.2 yards per catch and 17.2 yards after the catch, racking up one missed tackle forced, five explosive pass plays and six first downs. Bears S Jaquan Brisker is stuck on injured reserve and typically functions as a TE-coverage specialist. His team clearly misses him. Kittle is an elite TE1 against the Rams in Week 15.