San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Football Profile

Will Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Nick Bosa and Justin Jefferson sign new deals before the season? Let's update the NFL's biggest contract situations.

Wilks knows he doesn't need to change too much about the league's No. 1 defense, but expect some minor alterations in the 49ers' defense.

Aaron Rodgers has some fun before his tee shot and says he's not going to San Francisco.

Keyshawn Johnson breaks down what he believes the 49ers should do at quarterback next season.

Keyshawn Johnson breaks down what he believes the 49ers should do at quarterback next season.

The 49ers are headed into an offseason full of uncertainty with both quarterbacks recovering from injuries.

The Texans agreed to a six-year deal to hire 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as the team's new head coach Tuesday, sources told ESPN.

Both conference championship games were impacted by the challenge process, which proved to be controversial despite attempts to make it more efficient.

Adam Schefter discusses where the 49ers go at the quarterback position with Brock Purdy out for six months.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.

Let's take a look at all the strange things from Sunday, from a penalty that decided a game to an injury that rendered an offense futile.

The Eagles' defense knocked two 49ers QBs out of the game while the offense ran for a franchise-record four touchdowns to lead Philly to the Super Bowl.

The Eagles come up big in the run game and take advantage of the 49ers' quarterback issues to advance to the Super Bowl.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a right elbow injury on San Francisco's sixth offensive snap but returned in the third quarter after Josh Johnson took a hard hit.

It's unclear why the NFL's "expedited review" rule was not used to determine whether Smith's catch was legit.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a right elbow injury on San Francisco's sixth offensive snap and is questionable to return.

The San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles meet in the postseason for the first time since 1996. Here are the best moments and takeaways from Sunday's NFC Championship Game.

49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is considered the favorite for the Texans' head coaching job, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Ahead of their NFC Championship Game clash, former college coaches and teammates look at back the first time the Eagles and 49ers quarterbacks squared off.

Marcus Spears is picking the Philadelphia Eagles to knock off the San Francisco 49ers and reach the Super Bowl.

Take a look back at the 2019 thriller between Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts before the two face off again in the NFC Championship Game.

If Eagles fans needed any other reason to get fired up for the NFC title game against the 49ers, some San Francisco fans seem to have temporarily defaced the iconic monument.

Stephen A. Smith discusses the impact of the NFC Championship Game on Brock Purdy's starting role next season.

Ryan Clark breaks down how the Eagles' offense can be successful vs. the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

We outlined keys to victory for all four teams in the NFC and AFC Championship Games this weekend, along with X factors who could make an impact.

Everything you need to know for the AFC and NFC Championship Games, including bold predictions, keys to victory, stat nuggets and score picks.

McCaffrey wasn't looking to leave the Panthers, but moving to the 49ers has been a boon for him and for San Francisco's Super Bowl hopes.

Doug Kezirian believes in the Eagles vs. the 49ers in the NFC Championship.

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey said Thursday there's "zero" chance his calf injury will keep him from playing in Sunday's NFC title game.

SAN FRANCISCO (15-4) at PHILADELPHIA (15-3)

Joe Fortenbaugh explains why he's rolling with the Eagles to cover against the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

Scott Van Pelt and Stanford Steve discuss their picks for who they think will advance to Super Bowl LVII.

Kyle Shanahan said the Niners have decided to let the legal process play out with Charles Omenihu, who was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence earlier this week, meaning he'll prepare to play Sunday against the Eagles.

Stephen A. Smith says Saquon Barkley deserves to get paid more after his offensive production for the Giants this season.

Stephen A. Smith argues that the 49ers-Eagles matchup is so evenly matched that the game will come down to how Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy perform.

49ers defensive lineman Charles Omenihu was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence Monday.

Marcus Spears says Jalen Hurts and the Eagles should be big favorites over the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

Let's run through what we learned from this weekend's NFL games and where the 49ers, Eagles, Chiefs and Bengals stand now.

The 49ers earn their second straight trip to the NFC Championship Game after defeating the Cowboys 19-12.

— Christian McCaffrey scored on a go-ahead 2-yard run in the fourth quarter and San Francisco's defense did the rest, sending the 49ers to their second...

The Cowboys' final play with Ezekiel Elliott as the only lineman ends poorly to seal the Niners' win.

In a close game that came down the fourth quarter, the 49ers pulled away late to beat the Cowboys.

After missing four extra-point attempts last week against Tampa Bay, Dallas kicker Brett Maher had another point-after try blocked on Sunday at San Francisco, before bouncing back with two field goals in the second half of the Cowboys' game vs. the 49ers.

After missing four point-after attempts last week against Tampa Bay, Dallas kicker Brett Maher's troubles continued Sunday against San Francisco, when his first extra-point try of the day was blocked by the 49ers in the second quarter.

Lenoir intercepted Dak Prescott to help the 49ers to an early lead over the Cowboys.

Tedy Bruschi and Matt Hasselbeck debate how effectively the 49ers' defense can limit Dak Prescott.

Ryan Clark expects Micah Parsons to play a major role for the Cowboys vs. the 49ers.

Doug Kezirian explains why he's taking the under for the Bengals' team total and picking the 49ers to cover against the Cowboys.

Rob Ninkovich breaks down why the Cowboys must condense the pocket against Brock Purdy and the 49ers.

As the Cowboys and 49ers meet again in the NFL playoffs, revisit some of the best moments from this non-division rivalry.

A shared connection over early trauma brought San Francisco linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair closer as teammates. Led by mentor Fred Warner, they've become a formidable family unit.

We outlined keys to victory for all each NFL team this weekend and picked out one X factor from each lower-seeded team who could help an upset bid.

Everything you need to know for the divisional-round games, including bold predictions, keys to victory, stat nuggets and score picks.

Doug Kezirian explains why he believes San Francisco will cover against Dallas.

DALLAS (13-5) at SAN FRANCISCO (14-4)

Damien Woody and Bart Scott think that the rest disparity between the Cowboys and 49ers won't play a role in their divisional matchup.

Stephen A. Smith says Cowboys fans had better enjoy the team's win over the Bucs, because a loss against the 49ers is imminent.

How did the NFL's best rookies stack up this season? Which teams have multiple first-years in our top 10? And which rookies will break out in 2023?

The Cowboys are sticking with kicker Brett Maher for Sunday's divisional round playoff game against the 49ers despite the fact he missed four point-after attempts Monday night.

The Titans are hiring 49ers executive Ran Carthon as their new general manager, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini and Jeff Darlington.

Marcus Spears breaks down why the 49ers' additional days of preparation give them an advantage going into their NFC divisional round matchup with the Cowboys.

The NFL expanded its Most Valuable Player voting this season, but we didn't think a top five accurately told the story of the 2022 season.

The Cowboys, Daniel Jones and Brock Purdy stated their cases, Josh Allen was shaky with the football, and Lamar Jackson stayed home.

Three of the four divisional-round matchups are set. Here's everything you need to know, including how each team can win.

Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score in his playoff debut, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a wild-card game on Saturday.

Purdy's big-time playoff debut caught the eyes of LeBron James, Darrelle Revis and Julian Edelman.

— Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score in his playoff debut, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 41-23 victory over...

Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score in his playoff debut, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a wild-card game on Saturday.

Brock Purdy throws three touchdowns and runs for one in his playoff debut to lead he 49ers past the Seahawks.

Stephen A. Smith and Marcus Spears discuss which quarterback will have the best playoff debut.

SEATTLE (9-8) at SAN FRANCISCO (13-4)

As Purdy starts his quest to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl title, former backups give their tips to navigating a championship contender.

On Jan. 10, 1982, Dwight Clark leaps to grab an unbelievable touchdown pass from Joe Montana late in the fourth quarter to lead the 49ers to a 28-27 NFC Championship Game victory over the Cowboys.

Joe Fortenbaugh breaks down why he is laying the 10 on the San Francisco 49ers in their matchup over the Seattle Seahawks.

Joe Fortenbaugh breaks down why he is laying the 10 on the San Francisco 49ers in their matchup over the Seattle Seahawks.

Did Patrick Mahomes do enough to seal his second regular-season MVP award? Which rookies could win honors too?

ESPN takes a look at the NFL playoff scenarios for Week 18 and what teams need to do to reach the field of 14.

Bill Barnwell picks the best of the best of the 2022 NFL season, starting with Patrick Mahomes and teammate Travis Kelce.

Jarrett Stidham threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start and nearly led the Raiders to an upset victory over the 49ers and their No. 1-ranked defense.

Kyle Shanahan speaks on the experience rookie quarterback Brock Purdy gained playing in a close game.

Brock Purdy, who said he hadn't played in a close and late situation since his time at Iowa State, shined in that scenario Sunday, leading the 49ers from a fourth-quarter deficit and to a wild 37-34 shootout win over the Raiders.

— San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said his team has been in playoff mode for several weeks as it fights for a top seed in the NFC, and Sunday had a postseason atmosphere.

— Robbie Gould made a 23-yard field goal with 6:53 left in overtime and the San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to nine games with a 37-34 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Niners quarterback Trey Lance had a second surgery on his right ankle due to a lingering issue from the first procedure, the team said.

Doug Kezirian says six straight covers by the 49ers coupled with Derek Carr's benching make for an easy bet.

Ryan Clark discusses how the 49ers will continue to build on their winning streak and defeat the Raiders in Week 17.

— Kyle Shanahan remembers being impressed with Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham at the 2019 Senior Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers coach knows little else about Las Vegas' new starter.

Josh McDaniels delves into the Raiders' decision to bench Derek Carr in favor of Jarrett Stidham.

George Kittle advocated for Nick Bosa to be in the MVP conversation after the 49ers star dominated Saturday's game against the Commanders.

The touchdown was McCloud's first career rushing score and his longest play from scrimmage in his five NFL seasons.

The Niners officially activated defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw from the injured reserve list Friday.

Mina Kimes is picking San Francisco to top Washington because of its strong defense.

WASHINGTON (7-6-1) at SAN FRANCISCO (10-4)

Which players should have made the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters? Our experts weigh in.

Rookie dinners can get out of hand when the drinks get flowing and the big steaks come out. But San Francisco's rookies didn't have to pay as much as they thought.

Seahawks and 49ers players arrived in style Thursday night. Here are all the fits from Week 15.

Despite a short week and injuries to his ribs and oblique, Purdy made the right moves to clinch a division title and their seventh straight win.

Ryan Clark breaks down why the 49ers are the second-best team in the NFC with Brock Purdy at quarterback.

Where does every quarterback need to improve? Football Outsiders dove deep into each quarterback's most crucial weakness.

The rookie QB threw for two touchdowns, while the 49ers defense stifled the Seahawks' offense.

The 49ers wrapped up their first division crown since 2019 with a resounding victory over the Seahawks on Thursday night in Seattle.

— Rookie Brock Purdy a pair of touchdown passes to George Kittle, and the San Francisco 49ers won their first NFC West title since 2019, beating the Seattle Seahawks 21-13 on Thursday night.

Lynch was a surprise hire as 49ers GM in 2017 from the TV booth and resisted big money to go back to television, wanting to finish the job with Kyle Shanahan.

ESPN takes a look at the NFL playoff scenarios for Week 15 and what teams in the AFC and NFC need to do to make it all the way

Our betting and fantasy analysts answer some of the most pressing questions surrounding Thursday night's matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.

— A few years ago, Kyle Shanahan celebrated his first division title as San Francisco's coach in the visiting locker room at Seattle after a Sunday night game on the final day of the season that was nearly decided on the final snap.

Seahawks leading rusher Kenneth Walker III is set to return for Thursday night's showdown against the 49ers.

SAN FRANCISCO (9-4) at SEATTLE (7-6)

Brock Purdy becomes the only quarterback to ever beat Tom Brady in their first career start, and is our Next Gen player for week 14, presented by the Next Gen Ford Everest.

Joe Fortenbaugh feels good about laying 3.5 with the 49ers against the Seahawks.

Brock Purdy leads the 49ers to victory with 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown against the Bucs. (edited)

Brock Purdy places a perfect pass to Christian McCaffrey for a touchdown to widen the 49ers' lead over the Buccaneers.

49ers QB Brock Purdy keeps it himself and runs across the goal line for the score.

Roughly eight months ago, Purdy was the last pick of the draft. Now he's tasked with leading a 49ers team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Everything you need to know for the NFL in Week 14, including bold predictions, key stats, fantasy advice and score picks.

Bosa is on track to break the bank this offseason, but with the 49ers down to their No. 3 quarterback, he'll have to continue to excel.

Mayfield's tenure with the Panthers lasted less than a season. Where could he end up now?

Louis Riddick breaks down the idea of plugging Baker Mayfield into the 49ers' offense.

Let's look into the repercussions and impact of Jimmy Garoppolo's foot injury, both on San Francisco and the rest of the league.

Ryan Clark and Dan Orlovsky examine the 49ers' chances of making the Super Bowl with Brock Purdy under center.

Can anyone stop Joe Burrow and the Bengals? Are the Niners done without Jimmy G? Judging Week 13 overreactions.

Dre Greenlaw gets the scoop-and-score touchdown as the 49ers pad their lead to 33-17.

Tagovailoa has TD passes of 75 and 45 yards.

While the 49ers expect to RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) to return Sunday vs. the Miami Dolphins, left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with a back injury after leaving Friday's practice.

Marcus Spears predicts the Dolphins to come out on top in a close game against the 49ers.

Football Outsiders picked the most valuable deals on every NFL team. Which players have bargain contracts?

The NFL's annual #MyCauseMyCleats weekend has arrived. NFL players will do some good with their feet this week and look to help some worthy causes.

— When Kyle Shanahan got his first job as an NFL position coach, Mike McDaniel was right there as his assistant.

Stephen A. Smith breaks down how the 49ers can stop Tua Tagovailoa and beat the Dolphins.

Bill Barnwell picks the 10 top contenders' potential downfalls and points to one team for each to avoid in their paths to a Super Bowl title.

Doug Kezirian likes taking the Dolphins plus the points in a stellar matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

— San Francisco forced two fumbles from Alvin Kamara to become the first team in nearly 21 years to hold New Orleans scoreless, and the 49ers beat the Saints 13-0 Sunday for their fourth straight win.

— Coach Kyle Shanahan knows it's a challenge to keep all of his playmakers involved in the San Francisco 49ers' offense after the addition of Christian McCaffrey.

Everything you need to know for the NFL's post-Thanksgiving Week 12 games, including bold predictions, key stats, fantasy advice and score picks.

Doug Kezirian explains why he is laying the points on the 49ers against the Saints.

NEW ORLEANS (4-7) at SAN FRANCISCO (6-4)

Stephen A. Smith, Mina Kimes and Keyshawn Johnson debate if Jimmy Garoppolo will keep the 49ers from the Super Bowl.

Mike Tannenbaum, Dan Graziano and Domonique Foxworth dissect where the 49ers stack up vs. the Cowboys and the Eagles in the NFC.

What to watch for in every game. Bold predictions. Fantasy advice. Key stats to know. And, of course, final score picks. It's all here for Week 11.

Football Outsiders finds the best sophomore players at every position using advanced statistics. Who makes the cut?

Christian McCaffrey scores his first touchdown at Levi's Stadium to put the Niners ahead in the fourth quarter.

Dre Greenlaw gets ejected after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chargers QB Justin Herbert.

— Christian McCaffrey ran for the go-ahead touchdown with 7:54 to play, and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 22-16 Sunday night...

Justin Herbert's late pass attempt is intercepted as the 49ers beat the Chargers.

49ers LB Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the waning seconds of the first half Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chargers QB Justin Herbert.

Our betting and fantasy analysts answer some of the most pressing questions surrounding Sunday night's matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.

We pick out six elite player-on-player matchups to watch in the second half and use the numbers and tape to see who has the edge.

Tyler Fulghum explains why he likes the 49ers to cover against the Chargers, despite the large spread.

— San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan has been known as one of the NFL's most creative play-callers.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-3) at SAN FRANCISCO (4-4)

Ward has provided the 49ers with a physical cover presence, providing stability in a secondary that saw a revolving door at corner last year.

Ray Lewis sits down to discuss the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII, the last game of his NFL career.

The Ravens return to the Superdome on Monday night, 10 years after the stadium hosted a Super Bowl that still has players and officials wondering what happened.

Marcus Spears discusses why Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers will get it going vs. the Rams.

"I understand this is a business, but anytime somebody gets rid of you or something happens, you take it personally," said Christian McCaffrey, who was traded by Carolina to San Francisco last week.

CB Jason Verrett, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in September 2021, was activated off the PUP list by the 49ers on Wednesday.

Marcus Spears says with the addition of Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers have what it takes to put together a winning season and make a deep run.

Christian McCaffrey speaks following the 49ers' 44-23 defeat to the Chiefs.

Christian McCaffrey saw limited action in his 49ers debut on Sunday, finishing with 38 yards on 8 carries and 2 catches for 24 yards in a 44-23 loss to the Chiefs.

— Patrick Mahomes threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns to rally Kansas City back from another double-digit deficit in the Chiefs' 44-23 victory...

The 49ers have a package of plays in Sunday's gameplan for Christian McCaffrey, who has picked up what he could of the offense quickly, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers will return at least four injured starters for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

GM John Lynch, explaining the 49ers' trade for Christian McCaffrey, said, "You only do this when you have a belief in your team as it's constructed," and said the team doesn't view the All-Pro RB as a "rental."

Sam Acho and Ryan Clark discuss how acquiring Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers improves the 49ers' Super Bowl chances.

Christian McCaffrey was dealt from the Panthers to the 49ers in a surprise move Thursday night. Here are the implications.

The Panther traded their star running back to the 49ers for multiple draft picks, sending shockwaves through social media.

Adam Schefter reveals what San Francisco and Carolina will get in the trade that sees Christian McCaffrey join the 49ers.

The Panthers are trading star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, sources told ESPN.

— San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was forced to watch a horror film this week.

Doug Kezirian explains why he likes the 49ers getting points against the Chiefs in Week 7.

Niners strong safety Talanoa Hufanga has been placed in the concussion protocol after initially passing tests to return to Sunday's game at Atlanta.

Marcus Mariota throws two touchdowns and runs for one, leading the Falcons to a win over the 49ers.

Two more key 49ers players -- offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and cornerback Charvarius Ward -- departed Sunday's game against the Falcons with calf and groin injuries, respectively.

Niners defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley were put on injured reserve Saturday, with Moseley ruled out for the season.

Ryan Clark sees a defensive game when the 49ers travel to take on the Falcons.

SAN FRANCISCO (3-2) at ATLANTA (2-3)

There have only been five games, but the 49ers are putting up 2000 Ravens-type numbers on defense.

The 49ers will be without Emmanuel Moseley for the rest of the season after the cornerback tore the ACL in his left knee, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jimmie Ward, activated this week off IR for the first time in four games, was ruled out after one play with a hand injury. Nick Bosa left with a groin injury.

San Francisco goes back-to-back weeks with a pick-six.

San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward, activated this week off IR for the first time in four games, was ruled out after one play with a hand injury.

San Francisco safety Jimmie Ward has been activated from IR after missing the first four weeks of the season with a hamstring injury. He will take the roster spot of OT Colton McKivitz.

— No NFL quarterback has struggled quite as much this season as Carolina’s Baker Mayfield.

SAN FRANCISCO (2-2) at CAROLINA (1-3)

Ward is the dean of the 49ers team, leader of their younger players and extremely close to joining the likes of Montana, Rice and Young in team lore.

Lamar Jackson has made his case for a second MVP, but is he the favorite? Which rookies have starred so far? And is there a clear top coach?

Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler make upset picks, assess hot/cold starts and empty their notebooks heading into NFL Week 5.

In a year, Griese has gone from calling Monday Night Football games to coaching on the field during them.

In a year, Griese has gone from calling Monday Night Football games to coaching on the field during them.

LA Chargers LB Joey Bosa leaves the game following a groin injury in the first quarter.

If the 1983 draft that featured John Elway and Dan Marino is the best QB draft ever, where does the 2018 class featuring Allen and Jackson rank? We have the top 10.

Coach Kyle Shanahan says Trent Williams will likely miss four to six weeks with a high right ankle sprain and that Al-Shaair could miss about eight weeks with a sprained MCL in his right knee.

— Melvin Gordon atoned for two fumbles with a late 1-yard touchdown run and safety Kareem Jackson recovered Jeff Wilson Jr.'s fumble with 1:05 left to preserve the Denver Broncos' 11-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.

The 49ers lost Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams to an ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday night's game at Denver.

— The only difference the San Francisco 49ers see in longtime nemesis Russell Wilson isn't in his game but his gear.

SAN FRANCISCO (1-1) at DENVER (1-1)

What wild outcomes and sensational performances could NFL Week 3 bring us? Insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler weigh in.

49ers quarterback Trey Lance had surgery on Monday to repair two injuries to his right ankle: a fibular fracture and ligament disruption.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed on a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the Niners through the 2024 season, the team said Sunday night.

49ers QB Trey Lance exits the game following an ankle injury in the second quarter.

Mike Jackson races 85 yards for the score after rookie Tariq Woolen blocked the kick.

The Niners' former starting QB stepped in after Lance was carted off with an ankle injury.

Mina Kimes anticipates the 49ers' defense bouncing back in Week 2 to beat the Seahawks.

The San Francisco 49ers signed punter Mitch Wishnowsky to a four-extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026 season.

— The offseason story for the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers focused on the change at quarterback.

SEATTLE (1-0) at SAN FRANCISCO (0-1)

Green Bay, San Francisco and New England were among the teams that started poorly. Are those performances a sign of things to come?

Green Bay, San Francisco and New England were among the teams that started poorly. Are those performances a sign of things to come?

The Chiefs rolled. The Patriots looked shaky in Miami. Trey Lance was outdueled by Justin Fields. Let's judge Week 1.

Marcus Spears expects the 49ers to knock off the Bears in Week 1.

The "awesomely raw" Lance will assume the reins of a 49ers team that was one game away from the Super Bowl last season.

— The San Francisco 49ers advanced to the NFC championship game last season, and they believe they have the playmakers to make another big playoff run.

SAN FRANCISCO (12-8) at CHICAGO (6-11)

It's Week 1, and ESPN's NFL Insiders have game picks, newcomers to watch and all the latest buzz from around the league.

After 12 NFL seasons, last with the Buffalo Bills, two-time Pro Bowl WR Emmanuel Sanders has retired at age 35, finishing with a career 704 receptions, 9,425 yards and 51 touchdowns.

Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield face their former teams in Week 1 as the new QB landscape is one of the NFL's most compelling storylines.

Chicago's offense saw the return of center Lucas Patrick and receivers Byron Pringle and Velus Jones Jr. during Monday's practice, as the Bears continued preparations for their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Jeff Saturday explains why Trey Lance has had an up-and-down preseason.

Marcus Spears is all-in on the 49ers as a bold prediction to win the NFC.

Nate Sudfeld doesn't see Desmond King, who jumps in front of the pass for the interception.

49ers defensive back Samuel Womack III breaks up the pass and pops it into the air where it's tipped multiple times and intercepted by Tarvarius Moore.

Texans QB Davis Mills threads the needle over the linebackers to connect with Chris Moore for a 16-yard touchdown.

Brock Purdy fails to locate the linebacker and rips a pass right to Jake Hansen for the interception.

Blake Cashman tackles the running back, but receives a delay of game penalty for throwing a shoe.

— Davis Mills threw a touchdown pass to Chris Moore to help the Houston Texans beat the San Francisco 49ers 17-0 on Thursday night in the preseason finale for both teams.

The San Francisco 49ers expect to be without free safety Jimmie Ward longer than they initially hoped.

The San Francisco 49ers expect to be without free safety Jimmie Ward longer than they initially hoped.

Trey Lance, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Mac Jones and Trevor Lawrence are poised to try and live up to the hype of being a top draft pick.