Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers continue to prove that, no matter what injuries come their way, they find a solution. Following their win over the Los Angeles Rams, they sit at 4-1 and continue to appear one of the most resilient teams in the NFL. For fantasy football players, this team is both exciting and unpredictable, but one thing is certain: they live by the next man up mentality. Coach Kyle Shanahan has built a reputation as one of the best offensive minds in football, and he showed it again last night as backups stepped into key roles and delivered.

With Brock Purdy sidelined, the 49ers turned to Mac Jones. Many were skeptical, but Jones has been efficient and steady in running Shanahan’s scheme. Over his three starts, he has completed 86 of 129 passes for 904 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception. That is not just solid quarterback play; that is startable fantasy output that has been more consistent than many expected. For managers scrambling for quarterback help, Jones has quickly become a viable option.

At tight end, there was another surprising shift. George Kittle, one of the most productive fantasy tight ends of the past decade, misses games due to injury. That left snaps and opportunities up for grabs, and Jake Tonges took advantage. He caught seven passes for 41 yards and a touchdown against the Rams last night. This is the 2nd game in a row that Tonges has scored a touchdown. It was steady production and valuable fantasy output at one of the thinnest positions in fantasy football.

The injuries did not end there. Ricky Pearsall was unavailable, and those targets went to Kendrick Bourne. Bourne turned in a huge performance with 10 catches for 142 yards. Fantasy managers who took the chance on him were rewarded with WR1 numbers. This is the Shanahan effect: players are consistently put in positions to succeed, and a single injury in this offense rarely compromises fantasy matchups.

Still, everything begins with Christian McCaffrey. He is proving again why he belongs in the conversation for best player in football. Through five games, he already has 39 receptions while also carrying the load as a runner. He is on pace for 133 receptions, which would shatter his own record for a running back set at 116. If he stays healthy, McCaffrey may be on the cusp of the greatest receiving season by a back in NFL history.

The 49ers continue to fight through injuries and win, and for fantasy football managers, the lesson is clear. Do not avoid San Francisco players when stars go down. Look for the next option because Shanahan will scheme production, and the numbers always seem to follow.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy football secret: Trust the 49ers even when stars are out

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect