Pierre Garcon

Week 4 at Los Angeles Chargers

Pierre Garcon struggled last week against the Chiefs, catching only one of the four balls thrown his way and finished with 11 yards. With Jimmy Garoppolo out for the remainder of the season, it’ll be hard to trust 49ers pass-catchers. Garcon did average 7.7 targets per game with C.J. Beathard at quarterback last year, however, so there’s reason to hope for a long-term connection. Until we see some life from the offense, though, it’s hard to recommend using Garcon, even against the Chargers, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the receiver position so far this year.

Week 2 vs. Detroit Lions

Pierre Garcon only caught two balls for 21 yards last week against the Vikings, but he was targeted six times. Garcon is a clear starter on the outside, giving him weekly upside, but it looks as though quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is going to spread the ball around. Four players had five targets or more last week for the 49ers.

This week Garcon has some upside against the Lions, who gave up a pair of touchdowns to rookie Sam Darnold last week. However, until we see proof of a rapport with Garoppolo, it’s hard to trust the veteran. Fantasy owners should look elsewhere if possible.

Fantasy Upside

Garcon was on pace for his third 1,000-yard season at age 31, but the campaign came to an abrupt end in Week 8 when he suffered a neck injury in a game against Philadelphia. Still, the Niners are excited for his return in 2018, expecting Garcon to become a terrific receiver for new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. As NBCSports.com noted, even though some young receivers such as Marquise Goodwin and Trent Taylor emerged last season—second-round pick Dante Pettis is also an exciting prospect—Garcon could become Garoppolo's favorite target, thanks to his ability to run precise routes, his experience, leadership, and sure hands. Indeed, Pro Football Focus maintains Garcon has some of the most reliable hands among wide receivers in the NFL. His drop rate since 2015, according to PFF, is just 3.05 percent, which ranks him third, behind only Doug Baldwin (2.76) and Michael Thomas (2.9).

Fantasy Downside

There have been reports from training camp suggesting Goodwin has looked more like the 49ers' No. 1 wideout early on. That may be due to an already-developed chemistry between Goodwin and Garoppolo. It might also be temporary.

2018 Bottom Line

Even with a number of additions to the roster (including likely feature back Jerick McKinnon), SBNation.com's Billy Kerr believes the return of Garcon may be more important than any player added. The best part? You'll get a discount due to the missed time last year.