Last year I had Jimmy Garoppolo in fantasy and I got burned. There is a big difference between NFL success and fantasy success. Jimmy G was a good NFL quarterback, just not a good fantasy quarterback. As time goes on and Garoppolo gets more years under his belt, will he ever become an elite fantasy quarterback?
Here are things you can’t deny when it comes to Garoppolo’s fantasy potential. The 49ers were the second heaviest run offense in 2019. I don’t think that ever changes with Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco also ranked 28th in red zone rush percentage. What does that mean? Anything inside the 20, they want to pound the rock. I don’t think that changes either.
Here is something that could change. However, as things stand, it’s hard not to be concerned. Again, fantasy wise more so than anything. Garoppolo ranked 30th out of 32 qualified quarterbacks in air yards per attempt. In games that didn’t feature the Arizona Cardinals, Garoppolo scored an average of 13.5 points per game. That ain’t it chief.
It’s not like the weapons are bad. Who knows how many games Deebo Samuel will miss. Still, Deebo is a star. George Kittle is the best tight end in football. I’m not a big Brandon Aiyuk guy but he is a first round pick. It’s not like Garoppolo doesn’t have anybody to throw the ball to.
The Garoppolo fantasy conundrum is an interesting one. Will they put the ball more in his hands? If that happens, Will he air it out down the field more often? Garoppolo feels like a tough player to project for fantasy but there are so many factors that feel like it’s impossible for him to become an elite fantasy quarterback on a consistent basis.
