Quarterback

Jimmy Garoppolo vs. MIN ($25)

Who woulda thought heading into Week 12 that Minnesota and San Francisco would be one of the best game environments on the board for the main slate? Well, here we are and it’s glorious. The 49.5 over/under this game is sporting the second largest total on the board. Minnesota’s pass defense is extremely inconsistent but have been lit up more than they haven’t recently. They’re allowing nearly 270 passing yards per game and have allowed 17 TD’s and the 11th most fantasy points as well. Garoppolo has looked sharp with all of his weapons healthy, tossing two touchdowns in three straight games and has scored two touchdowns in four straight games. In each of the last two games, the 49ers have been in control of the game and haven’t had to air it out, but the two games prior when they did, he threw for 300+ yards, so we know that’s in his bag. This has shootout written all over it and if that happens, Gaoppolo could be a great value.

Running Back

Miles Sanders vs. NYG ($17)

It’s not as if Miles Sanders returned and played a majority of the snaps, because he didn’t, he played just 46% of them, but when he was on the field he was heavily involved. He had 16 carries for 94 yards and although he had three touchdowns poached by Jalen Hurts, it was great to see Sanders so involved. Now he draws the Giants who rank 29th in rush DVOA and have allowed the eighth most FP this year to opposing running backs. With Jordan Howard out, Sanders should see his role expand even further and although Hurts isn’t one to check the ball down much, we know Sanders is very capable in the passing game as well.

Wide Receiver

Brandon Aiyuk vs. MIN ($17)

It’s hard not to love the direction Aiyuk has been trending the last few weeks. In three of his last four games he’s seen seven or more targets and in four straight games he’s notched 88% or more of the offensive snaps. I touched on it above, but I love this game environment for the 49ers as this game has the second highest total on the board. Sure Elijah Mitchell is expected to return and maybe that limits Deebo Samuel’s role out of the backfield, but if Samuel is back there just as much, Aiyuk could once again be highly involved in the passing game. It’s good to see him getting into the end zone as well, as Aiyuk has scored in two of three games and the Vikings have allowed wideouts to score 13 times this year.

Jerry Jeudy vs. LAC ($14) 

I understand that this isn’t the best match-up on the board, but man this price is awfully enticing. It’s not like Jeudy hasn’t been involved since returning from injury because he has, he just hasn’t had that signature game yet. In the last two games, he’s led the team in targets and has topped eight looks in each game. We saw just last year Teddy Bridgewater is able to support his pass catchers for fantasy purposes and as long as he continues targeting Jeudy this heavily, some positive regression is on the way. This game has one of the best totals on the board at 48 and Los Angeles is favored on the road. If the game script falls into the narrative that many are expecting, which is Denver trailing and playing from behind, look for them to throw a lot here, which benefits Jeudy. It’s a tournament play, but one that is very viable.

Tight End

Evan Engram vs. PHI ($17)

The Giants are, well, decimated. Sterling Shepard is out, Kadarius Toney and Kyle Rudolph are doubtful and Saquon Barkely is questionable. In steps Evan Engram into the limelight, a position he’s been in many times and has failed to produce. This feels different, however, considering how bad Philly is at defending the tight end position. Against opposing tight ends, they’ve allowed the most receptions, yards and are tied for allowing the most touchdowns as well. Insert Engram who’s scored twice over the last three weeks and has been consistently garnering targets each and every week. If you’re ready to be let down one more time by Engram, so am I.