Week 4 at Los Angeles Chargers
Marquise Goodwin returned from injury last week and scored a touchdown, but he finished with only three catches and 30 yards. The 49ers were dealt a devastating blow to their offense with Jimmy Garoppolo suffering a season-ending knee injury. That loss will likely permeate throughout the team.
Goodwin has some potential, however. He’s the primary target in the receiving corps, and he averaged 5.3 targets per game with C.J. Beathard at quarterback last year. He’s too risky to trust in most leagues, but has some WR3 upside in deep leagues against the Chargers this week. Only the Saints have allowed more fantasy points to opposing receivers this year.
Week 2 vs. Detroit Lions
Marquise Goodwin left the game early last week with an injury. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status before starting him this week. The 49ers offense should be better this week against the Lions than they were against the Vikings in Week 1, but a wait-and-see approach might be better until Goodwin shows he’s healthy. If he does start, he has some low-end WR3 potential in deep leagues as a starter, but expect another heavy dose of tight end George Kittle this week.
Week 1 at Minnesota Vikings
Marquise Goodwin should be the primary receiving option for the 49ers this season. He showed a nice rapport with Jimmy Garoppolo to close out the 2017 season. Out of five starts with Garoppolo under center, Goodwin averaged 5.8 catches and 76.8 yards per game. While he only scored one touchdown in that five-game span—and two all year—Goodwin has the potential to take a big leap forward this season.
Chances of that happening this week are not high, however, against a Vikings defense that allowed only 13 receiving touchdowns last year—the fewest amount in the league. As a starter who should accumulate targets, Goodwin has value as a WR3 option in large leagues, but a wait-and-see approach might be best to start the season for members of the 49ers offense.
Fantasy Upside
As SBNation.com's James Brady reminded readers, Goodwin was considered an underachiever through his first four years in the league with the Buffalo Bills. He's no longer viewed that way. Goodwin had a breakout 2017 season in San Francisco with career-highs in catches and receiving yards to go with two touchdowns.
He was third in the NFL with 17.2 yards per catch, and he had two of his three 100-yard games after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was inserted as the starter. Goodwin also played through personal strife in 2017. His son died from complications during his wife's pregnancy and Goodwin's father died in the days leading up to a game against the Titans. Goodwin posted 10 receptions for 114 yards in that game.
Fantasy Downside
Of some concern: Goodwin suffered a concussion—his second of the season—during the 49ers' Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He has had at least four concussions in his career.
2018 Bottom Line
Of greater interest to fantasy owners, Goodwin was tracked with the fastest speed by a wide receiver on any catch last season, according to Next Gen Stats, running 21.68 MPH on a 55-yard catch against the Cardinals on Nov. 5. Assuming Pierre Garcon is back at full speed, as expected, Goodwin will return to his natural No. 2 spot and provide fantasy managers with considerable upside.
Week 17 at Los Angeles Rams
Marquise Goodwin struggled last week, catching just 3 passes for 33 yards, but that was to be expected against Jacksonville's top-rated pass defense. He won't be facing that this week and the 49ers want to finish strong. Goodwin should bounce back this week and be a high-end WR2 play.
Week 16 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Marquise Goodwin had 10 catches for 114 yards and is loving life with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback. He might not love it so much this week, however, against Jacksonville. The Jaguars did go nine consecutive games without allowing a TD to the WR position, but have given up 6 in the past four games. Given the matchup, consider Goodwin nothing more than a WR3.
Week 15 vs. Tennessee Titans
Marquise Goodwin had 6 catches for 106 yards last week and has now been a solid producer in five consecutive games. He seems to have a nice rapport with Jimmy Garoppolo. Keep rolling with him as a WR2/WR3 and hope he can continue to build on the past month. Goodwin is proving to be more than just a deep threat.
Week 14 at Houston Texans
Marquise Goodwin produced a season-high 8 catches for 99 yards and has now produced acceptable fantasy numbers in five of his past six games. He seems to have a decent rapport with Jimmy Garoppolo and Houston's secondary has been leaky. Use Goodwin as a high-end FLEX play or low-end WR3. He could surprise this week.
Week 13 at Chicago Bears
Marquise Goodwin had 4 receptions for 78 yards last week and was a big part of the passing game. His work with Jimmy Garoppolo is an unknown factor, though, and considering he's the deep threat, that's important. Because of the unknown status—and the tricky Chicago winds—be careful using Goodwin as anything more than a flex play.
Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks
If you like high-risk, high-reward players, Marquise Goodwin is your play this week. In his past two games, he has just 3 receptions but they have gone for 151 yards and a touchdown. Seattle's defense isn't what it once was, especially on the back end. Look for the 49ers to test it with Goodwin. He's a decent play as a FLEX option with plenty of upside potential.
