Week 10 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Emmanuel Sanders has played two games with the 49ers and has two touchdowns in that time. He’s coming off a great game against the Cardinals last week, catching seven of the nine balls thrown his way for 112 yards and a touchdown, and he’s clearly the top wide receiver on the roster, leading a myriad of promising youngsters who haven’t fully developed yet.
Mike Evans exploded against the Seahawks last week, and while Sanders probably isn’t in that class of talent at this point in his career, he should still benefit from a quality matchup. Seattle ranks 14th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers this season, which should be just low enough to allow Sanders to put up high-end WR2 numbers.
Week 9 at Arizona Cardinals
Emmanuel Sanders only had 25 yards in his debut as a 49er, but he caught four of the five passes thrown his way and scored a touchdown. Sanders is easily the most talented wide receiver on the roster and has quickly earned a role on the team after arriving last week via trade from Denver. Despite being with the team less than a week, he still led San Francisco wide receivers in snaps and was second on the team in targets behind George Kittle.
This week, Sanders has some upside against a Cardinals defense that ranks 15th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. However, Sanders may draw Patrick Peterson in coverage and the 49ers may get up early and not need to throw the ball much. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end WR3 option, as game script may dictate a quiet day for the 49ers’ receivers.
Week 8 vs. Carolina Panthers
Emmanuel Sanders arrived this week to San Francisco via trade from the Broncos and he immediately becomes the team’s best wide receiver. His 367 yards this season are more than double that of Marquise Goodwin, the leader among 49ers wide receivers, and his route-running will be a welcome addition to the offense. This may not be the week to start him, however, as he’s new to the team and he’ll face a Carolina defense that ranks fourth in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Take a wait-and-see approach with Sanders, and avoid the 49ers receiving corps if possible.
Week 7 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Before leaving last Sunday’s game versus Tennessee with a knee injury in the first half, Emmanuel Sanders had only one grab for no yards. Even though it’s a short week Sanders should be ready for the Thursday night affair at home versus the Chiefs. Fantasy owners are hoping he’ll pick things up, as he has just two receptions the past two weeks and nine during the past month. Kansas City’s pass defense is No. 19, so, assuming he’s active, Sanders should be used as a WR3/flex option.
Week 6 vs. Tennessee Titans
In the win against the Chargers last week Emmanuel Sanders saw only one look from Joe Flacco, resulting in a nine-yard reception. During the past two road games, he has been held to just 19 total yards but has been much more productive at home. In the two games in Denver, Sanders is averaging eight catches for 101 yards, so he should be used as a WR3 play versus a Tennessee pass defense that surrenders 227 yards.
Week 5 at Los Angeles Chargers
With Joe Flacco registering his first 300-yard game as a Bronco, Emmanuel Sanders turned nine targets into five grabs for 104 yards, the first time he’s eclipsed the century mark in ‘19. Unfortunately for Sanders owners, it was Courland Sutton who scored the two Denver WR TDs. Even though he’s been held out of the end zone the past couple contests, Sanders leads the team in targets and is averaging 75 yards per outing. The Chargers defense is giving up under 230 yards through the air.
Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
After scoring the first two weeks, Emmanuel Sanders was held to just two grabs for 10 yards against a Pack defense that forced the Broncos to run last Sunday. One note of concern for Sanders owners is that for the second time in three games Courtland Sutton led the team in receiving yards. If Jalen Ramsey ends up playing for the Jags this week, he’ll likely be shadowing Sanders. If that happens, it could be another unproductive outing for the Denver WR.
Week 3 at Green Bay Packers
For the second straight week, Emmanuel Sanders scored the team’s only touchdown, as his seven-yard grab and ensuing two-point conversion reception gave the Broncos a lead with half a minute remaining. Joe Flacco and the Denver offense moved the ball against the Bears but couldn’t put many points on the scoreboard, despite Sanders snatching 11 passes for 98 yards. The veteran WR should again see plenty of looks on Sunday, with the Broncos likely playing from behind again. Sanders is a WR2 start.
Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears
Last Monday in Oakland Emmanuel Sanders was mostly quiet for the first three quarters. Joe Flacco came his way more in the fourth quarter, leading to a five-reception, 86-yard night for Sanders. He also scored the team’s only TD, in the final minutes. Chicago’s defense stymied the Packers passing attack in Week 1, so it may be tough for Sanders and the Denver passing game on Sunday. He should be used as a WR3 start.
Week 1 at Oakland Raiders
The Achilles held up during the preseason, which means Emmanuel Sanders will be on the field and good to go on Monday night in Oakland. In his one game versus the Raiders last season, he caught four passes for 96 yards. With new QB Joe Flacco, the Broncos offense is expected to feature more downfield attempts, allowing Sanders to utilize his speed. In the season opener, look for Sanders to be a big part of the passing game.
