nfl

49ers' Purdy and WR room key for 2026 fantasy outlook

Analyst Joel Smyth highlights the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers as key NFC teams with major fantasy questions for 2026.

Despite a tumultuous year, the 49ers' Shanahan-led offense remains elite, with Brock Purdy leading in catchable targets. With George Kittle returning from an Achilles tear, the WR room, including Ricky Pearsall or a free agent, offers late-round value.

In Carolina, the RB1 spot is a competition between Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. After Dowdle's early-season success, Hubbard took over the workload, though financial factors may play a role in the outcome.