Week 14 at Cincinnati Bengals
Jeff Wilson had a big goose egg last week, and also is having some injury issues, but if Elijah Mitchell’s concussion symptoms keep him out of this week’s tilt against the Bengals, Wilson has the potential to reach RB2 numbers. Still, take a cautious approach to him and make sure he’s in and Mitchell is out before inserting him into lineups. The last time Mitchell missed a game, Wilson didn’t produce much, even though he had a full workload. Tread lightly here.
Update: With Mitchell out, Wilson has some RB2 potential. It's not a sure thing, as he's coming into the game less than 100% as well, but it's worth gambling on at this point in the season.
Week 13 at Seattle Seahawks
Jeff Wilson was relegated to backup duty last week against the Vikings with Elijah Mitchell back in good health. Wilson finished with just seven yards on two carries and one reception. With Mitchell set to start again, Wilson should be held only as a handcuff, and not be in lineups this week. Sit him.
Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jeff Wilson filled in for Elijah Mitchell against the Jaguars last week, totaling 58 yards on 19 carries and a reception. Not a great game for Wilson, but the 19 carries were encouraging for those needing a backup option should Mitchell be out again. The Vikings rank ninth in aFPA to opposing running backs, but the added workload should produce solid production if Mitchell is out.
Week 11 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Wilson returned to action last week against the Rams, but played a complementary role to Elijah Mitchell. Expect that to continue if Mitchell is healthy, but Wilson is worth adding in deeper leagues, just in case Mitchell misses time. He’s been nicked up multiple times this season and is now questionable heading into this week’s tilt against the Jaguars with a finger injury. If Mitchell sits, Wilson has fringe RB2 potential.
Week 17 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Jeff Wilson had a great game against the Cardinals last week, gaining 183 yards on 22 carries, and adding 21 yards and a touchdown on a reception. Wilson looked like a bellcow for the 49ers in a surprising victory over the Cardinals, and with Raheem Mostert shut down for the final game of the season, expect Wilson to have another busy day this week against the Seahawks.
Seattle ranks 20th in aFPA to opposing running backs, so the opportunity is there for Wilson to repeat his production with a heavy workload. We have him ranked as a solid RB2 in all league formats. Expect another busy day for Wilson, with a good chance at finding the end zone.
Week 16 at Arizona Cardinals
Jeff Wilson had 16 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown last week against the Cowboys, splitting time with Raheem Mostert. Mostert was shut down after another injury last week, so Wilson could see a full workload, which makes him a viable RB2 option.
Even if Tevin Coleman or Jerick McKinnon eat into his touches a little, if Wilson can get another 16 carries in complementary work against Arizona’s 13th ranked defense in aFPA to opposing running backs, he should have fantasy value. We have him ranked as a low-end RB2, and his short-yardage usage seems to give him high-touchdown potential.
Week 15 at Dallas Cowboys
Jeff Wilson has split time with Raheem Mostert the past two weeks, with 11 carries – including a short touchdown run – last week, and seven carries the week prior. This is far more likely to have a negative effect on Mostert than it is to catapult Wilson into serious fantasy consideration, but it’s worth noting his ability to find the end zone in TD-only leagues. He’s had at least one touchdown in three of the four games where he’s had double-digit carries this season, and the 49ers have a puncher’s chance against a depleted Cowboys team this week.
If Mostert is active, leave Wilson on the bench, as they’ll likely cannibalize each other’s fantasy value. However, Mostert is nicked up again, so if he’s inactive, then Wilson instantly becomes a potential RB2 option. Pick him up and wait for the inactives list.
Week 14 vs. Washington Football Team
Jeff Wilson had seven carries and two receptions for a total of 59 yards from scrimmage last week in a loss to the Bills. Wilson played a complementary role to Raheem Mostert, a role that is likely to be his high-end potential while Mostert is healthy. While he’s always a threat to vulture away a touchdown, he’s too risky to bank on when he’s not getting a full workload. He can remain on waivers.
Week 6 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Jeff Wilson had some spot duty behind Raheem Mostert last week in a lopsided loss to the 49ers, ending up with 27 yards on four carries. With Mostert back in action, it’s hard to imagine Wilson having fantasy relevance, even in deep leagues. He’s competing with Jerick McKinnon for change-of-pace work, and hasn’t been much of a pass-catcher. Outside of the occasional and infuriating vulture touchdown, Wilson has no value with Mostert healthy. It’s probably safe to drop him.
Week 5 vs. Miami Dolphins
Jeff Wilson is usually valuable for his touchdown vulturing, but he failed to the find the end zone last week and touched the ball just four times for 19 yards. Wilson is worth considering in touchdown-only leagues as a deep flyer, but in most leagues, he’s too risky to bank on. With Raheem Mostert having an outside chance at returning as well, Wilson’s value may be limited, even in a good matchup. If Mostert is out again, then taking a gamble on him as a deep RB3 is justifiable, but in most leagues, he should stay on the bench, especially if Mostert plays.
