Is Deebo Samuel Still A WR1? Fantasy Football Outlook

The San Franciso 49ers are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. They are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and Deebo Samuel is one of their star players.

However, if the last few weeks are any indication, his fantasy value is on the decline.

Samuel's production has been average at best in 2022, registering only one game with over 20 fantasy points. In eight games played this season, Samuel has averaged only four targets per game, leaving fantasy managers begging for more.

Is Deebo Samuel Still A WR1 in Fantasy Football?

Coming off an impressive 2021 campaign in which he recorded career receiving highs in receptions (77), receiving yards (1,405), targets (121), receiving touchdowns (six), and rushing touchdowns (eight), Samuel was rightly selected at the top of most fantasy drafts.

This season has been a completely different story that has frustrated fantasy owners who believed Samuel would lead them to fantasy success. Through 10 weeks, Samuel has only one 100-yard receiving game, which came in Week 4.

His target share is down dramatically, and his quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, is looking for other options.

Do The 49ers Have Too Many Weapons That Make Deebo Samuel Hard To Trust?

Through eight games in 2021, Samuel had 81 targets. During that same time frame in 2022, he has only 54 (he missed Week 8 with a hamstring injury). There are multiple factors contributing to his decreased production, but opportunities are at the top of the list.

Also adding to the frustration of fantasy managers is that Samuel has more competition for targets than ever before. Lining up next to him is talented tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The backfield consists of recently activated running back Elijah Mitchell and trade acquisition superstar Christian McCaffrey.

It's hard to blame Garoppolo for looking elsewhere with all those options, and head coach Kyle Shanahan's run-heavy play-calling isn't doing Samuel any favors.

Should You Continue To Start Deebo Samuel in Fantasy Football?

Yes, Samuel is a playmaker and one of the most talented players in the NFL. Bearing that in mind, he should no longer be considered a WR1.

The 49ers have too many weapons and a head coach that isn't utilizing his talents properly. With McCaffery and Mitchell now solidifying the backfield, there is no reason Samuel should be used as anything but a wide receiver moving forward.

If Samuel is on your fantasy roster, you have to hope his coach gets him more involved. Until then, he should be viewed as a WR2.

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