RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~40 Overall
CURRENT ADP: ~47
ANALYSIS: San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell had a stunningly productive season as a rookie in 2021. As a sixth-round draft choice, few expected Mitchell to become a fantasy starter, yet he finished as the RB23 in standard leagues despite playing just 11 games. This came after Week 1 starter Raheem Mostert went down with a season-ending injury in the opener.
The 24-year-old is expected to miss the entire preseason due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return in time for Week 1. He had been limited during training camp while he recovers from knee surgery. With Mostert now in Miami, Mitchell seemingly has a clear path to remaining the top dog in San Francisco's backfield. However, there will be some competition for this role, and head coach Kyle Shanahan is notorious for his unpredictable handling of backfields. Teammate Trey Sermon was a third-round selection last season, yet his role was relatively small as a rookie.
Should Mitchell struggle early in the season, or if Sermon impresses in camp, Sermon may cut into Mitchell's volume. The 49ers also drafted Tyrion Davis-Price, an RB out of LSU, in the third round this spring. The team must have a plan for Davis-Price, which would likely come at the expense of Mitchell. That said, Mitchell is being drafted as merely the RB24 in fantasy drafts this offseason.
Considering he finished higher than this last year despite missing six games due to injury, this is a fair spot for him when factoring in these concerns regarding Sermon and Davis-Price.
Editor's Note: Trey Sermon has been waived by the 49ers and now the Niners' backfield has less competition for touches.
More Fantasy Football Values and Sleepers
Gus Edwards - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 1 (2024)
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~100 Overall CURRENT ADP: ~114 ANALYSIS: The Los Angeles Chargers signed Gus Edwards from the Baltimore Ravens for the 2024 season. While J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards could be in a committee, Dobbins has an alarming injury history, and with such devastating injuries, it's unlikely he ever returns to consistently produce like […]
Gus Edwards (RB, LAC): 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Values
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~100 Overall CURRENT ADP: ~114 ANALYSIS: The Los Angeles Chargers signed Gus Edwards from the Baltimore Ravens for the 2024 season. While J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards could be in a committee, Dobbins has an alarming injury history, and with such devastating injuries, it's unlikely he ever returns to consistently produce like […]
Logan Thomas - Week 13 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 12+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: TE2 ANALYSIS: Logan Thomas test. Ever since arriving in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has been one of the most appealing handcuffs at the tight end position. While not nearly on the same level as Mark Andrews, Likely has shown that he can […]
Christian McCaffrey - Week 14 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 12+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: TE2 ANALYSIS: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey ripped off a 72-yard run on the first play from scrimmage in a 28-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. At the end of the long run, he was tackled at the three-yard line and caught […]
Zay Flowers - Week 14 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 12+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: TE2 ANALYSIS: Zay Flowers test. Ever since arriving in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has been one of the most appealing handcuffs at the tight end position. While not nearly on the same level as Mark Andrews, Likely has shown that he can […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Win Big With RotoBaller
Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
