Deebo Samuel

Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Deebo Samuel said he didn’t want to run the ball as much this year, but the coaching staff must not have heard him, because he ran eight times for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Bears in Week 1. He also caught two balls for 14 yards. It was encouraging to see him get eight targets from new starter Trey Lance. It was less encouraging that he only caught two of them, though the nasty weather conditions were certainly a factor. Most importantly, Samuel is clearly still the primary cog in this offense.

This week, expect Samuel to roll against the Seahawks. Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton combined for eight catches, 174 yards, and a touchdown against this defense on Monday night, so there should be plenty of room for the 49ers’ receivers to operate. Samuel had a pair of touchdowns the last time he played Seattle, and he’s a must-start this week as a WR1 option in fantasy.

2022 Fantasy Upside
It appears more progress has been made between the 49ers and Deebo Samuel on a new deal for the key offensive weapon. 49ers GM John Lynch said at his press conference as training camp opened that Samuel had reported. It doesn’t sound like an extension is imminent, but Lynch sounded optimistic that something will get done. And that's a key here. Remember, Samuel officially requested a trade in April after coming off the best year of his career. He is due a $3.986 million base salary this season, the final year of his rookie contract. Easily lost in all the drama, Samuel was named first-team All-Pro after totaling 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns from scrimmage. As 4for4's John Paulsen noted, Samuel started to see a bigger rushing role in Week 10. From Week 1 to Week 9, he averaged 6.1 catches for 110 yards and 0.50 touchdowns (for 17.6 half-PPR PPG) on 10.0 targets per game. Starting in Week 10, he averaged 3.5 catches for 65 yards and 0.25 touchdowns on 5.0 targets per game. However, he averaged 19.9 half-PPR PPG behind 43 yards rushing and 0.88 rushing touchdowns per game. He averaged 6.6 rushes per game in that span compared to just 0.8 rushes per game from Week 1 to Week 9. He finished as the overall WR3.

2022 Fantasy Downside
The versatility that made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NFL apparently is also a major issue for Samuel.

2022 Bottom Line
The fact that his receiving numbers diminished as he become more of a threat on the ground isn't surprising. It's also promising. Although he takes a bit of a hit, the receiving totals over the first nine games were plenty solid. That said, the uncertainty about that rushing equity is the only thing keeping Samuel out of our top five at the position.