Week 10 vs. Cleveland Browns
Jeff Wilson being traded to the Dolphins felt like a quiet deal, but the newly acquired running back made a huge impact in his first game with Miami. Wilson actually played one more offensive snap than Raheem Mostert, and was pretty productive with nine carries for 51 yards and three receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown on three targets. Wilson and Mostert each had nine rushing attempts, but Wilson was the only Dolphins' RB with a target in Week 9. This should be a pretty evenly split backfield moving forward, which makes Wilson a solid RB3/flex option. That's the range he'll be in for Week 10 as he draws a favorable matchup vs. the Browns (27th aFPA).
Week 9 at Chicago Bears
Jeff Wilson was shipped to the Dolphins this week after Miami traded away Chase Edmonds. Wilson reunites with coach Mike McDaniel, so he'll have a somewhat decent grasp on this offense. Still, it's his first game with a brand new team, so starting him would be a risk. Plus, Edmonds had a pretty limited role as the backup in this offense, so there may not be many touches for Wilson. We'll wait and see just how the touches are split in this offense between Wilson and Raheem Mostert. For Week 9, though, Wilson should be viewed as a desperation flex play at best.
Week 7 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeff Wilson had his first real down game last week since taking over as the starter for the injured Elijah Mitchell. Wilson was held to just 25 yards on seven carries as the 49ers trailed for much of the game.
This week, expect Wilson to get back on track against a Chiefs defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing running backs. There’s risk again for the 49ers to get down early, but Wilson’s workload has been consistent up until last week, and we still project RB2 numbers for him in this matchup.
Update: The trade for Christian McCaffrey throws everything out the window for the rest of the San Francisco running backs. Wilson still has some deep-league upside this week in a nice matchup, but if McCaffrey is active for his first game as a 49er, then it'll be hard to bank on Wilson getting enough work to be a solid fantasy back. Watch for McCaffrey's status, since he was traded so late in the week, but it doesn't look good for Wilson managers, and it's best to have a backup plan in place now.
Week 6 at Atlanta Falcons
Jeff Wilson has been super steady since Elijah Mitchell was hurt in Week 1. He has at least 15 touches in each of the past four games, and he had 17 carries for 120 yard and a touchdown in a lopsided victory over the Panthers last week.
Wilson has a great matchup this week against an Atlanta defense that ranks 25th in aFPA to opposing running backs. With another game on the docket where the 49ers are expected to lead, Wilson could be in for a busy day. Start him confidently as a RB2.
Week 5 at Carolina Panthers
Jeff Wilson has been steady since taking over as the primary back in Week 2, with at least 15 touches in each of his three starts, and 18 carries, 74 yards, and a touchdown last week against the Rams. Wilson seems to be having no trouble shouldering the load, and he receiving all but three of the 49ers’ non-QB rushing attempts on Monday night.
This week, Wilson faces a Panthers defense that ranks seventh in aFPA to opposing running backs. They just held James Conner to 3.7 yards per carry, so temper expectations for Wilson. However, his workload should still lead him to RB2 numbers. Start him.
Week 4 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Jeff Wilson didn’t light the world on fire Sunday night against the Broncos, but he did end up with 108 yards on 12 carries and three receptions. He was on the field for 73% of the team’s offensive snaps, compared to just 9% for Jordan Mason, so it appears as though this is Wilson’s job, at least for the time being.
The Rams have kept opposing running backs in check so far this year, so it could be a tough day for Wilson, especially with LT Trent Williams likely out for several weeks. Consider Wilson a fringe RB2 option with his potential workload, but he’s risky to bank on for a big day.
Week 3 at Denver Broncos
Jeff Wilson had 18 carries for 84 yards along with two catches for 19 receiving yards last week in a win over the Seahawks. As the healthiest guy in the room, Wilson’s workload looks pretty secure for the time being. With Kyle Shanahan coaching, there’s always risk, but in four starts last season he averaged 18.25 total touches per game.
This week, Wilson faces a Broncos defense that hasn’t been bad so far this season. They gave up points in the first half of Week 1 and the offense has been bad, but Denver is actually fifth in the league in rush defense through two games. Expect Wilson to have enough volume to be relevant, but the matchup to keep him from being super effective. We have ranked just outside RB2 territory.
Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Jeff Wilson looks like he’ll be the primary back with Elijah Mitchell out for the foreseeable future. In a Kyle Shanahan offense, don’t count out some sort of committee approach, or even a surprise contender, but for now it appears Wilson is the guy.
Assuming he gets a full workload, he has strong potential against the Seahawks. Seattle just allowed 5.2 yards per carry from the Denver running backs on Monday night, and Javonte Williams caught a ridiculous 11 balls against this defense. We have Wilson ranked as a fringe RB2 option this week and he should be a priority waiver addition.
Week 17 vs. Houston Texans
Jeff Wilson had a solid outing against the Titans last week, gaining 57 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries and three receptions. He’s been a very solid RB2 with Elijah Mitchell injured, and should continue to be considered a viable handcuff and starting option whenever Mitchell is out.
This week, Wilson has tremendous upside against a Texans defense that ranks 29th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Watch the injury status of Mitchell carefully, and be ready with a backup plan in case Mitchell is active, but if Wilson starts, he should be a solid RB2 once again and worth starting in all leagues.
Week 16 at Tennessee Titans
Jeff Wilson had a great game against the Falcons last week, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown in relief of the injured Elijah Mitchell. Mitchell is questionable heading into this week’s matchup against the Titans, so fantasy managers should watch the injury report carefully leading up to game time. If Mitchell starts, Wilson goes back to the bench and is relegated to handcuff status. If Mitchell sits, Wilson has low-end RB2 potential due to workload, despite a tough matchup against a Titans defense that ranks fourth in aFPA to opposing running backs.
