Browns vs. 49ers Fantasy Football Report: Who To Start, Who To Sit

Who to start, who to bench and why when the Browns and 49ers clash on Sunday

Sunday's matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers calls for a shakeup in your fantasy lineups. Between two elite defenses, the Browns starting PJ Walker, and a suspect forecast this game, could be a sloppy one.

Keeping many Cleveland Browns in your lineup this week is not a recipe for success. When the Browns offense is on the field, it is going to be extremely tough for them to move the ball. 

The 49ers defense is holding opposing teams to 64.2 rushing yards per game and just over 200 yards through the air. They suffocate teams and make it really hard on opposing quarterbacks.

If the Browns are able to give PJ Walker time to throw, there will be chances for completions. I would not write off Amari Cooper if you have him on your team. When they can throw it, he will get the lion's share of the targets, especially down near the end zone.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) pulls in a catch for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter in Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 :: © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

If you're lucky enough to have any of the 49ers on your fantasy team, congratulations on being in first place! However, Sunday may be a different feel for this 49ers offense that has made football look very easy through three weeks. 

The Browns have a top defense in the league giving up only 71.8 rushing yards per game and 125 passing yards per game. Jim Schwartz seems to have a great feel for Kyle Shanahan's offense and how to stop it.

One position that has had success versus the Browns has been the tight end. Mark Andrews had a big game against Cleveland with five catches, 89 yards and two touchdowns. 

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports / © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Start 'Em

• George Kittle
• Christian McCaffery (If PPR League)
• Amari Cooper
• 49ers Defense

Sit 'Em

• Elijah Moore
• David Njoku
• Jerome Ford
• Donovan Peoples-Jones
• Deebo Samuel 
• Brock Purdy
• Browns Defense