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Masoli, who worked at both tailback and quarterback in 49ers camp, seemed like a prime practice squad candidate. The fact that the Niners didn’t carry him even until the first round of cuts now makes that a long-shot possibility. Masoli didn’t outlast McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Scaccia was a camp leg.

Purdy’s only blemish on an otherwise spectacular outing occurred on the first offensive play from scrimmage, when a tipped ball resulted in a pick-six to ignite the game environment in what would become the game of the season. The former Mr. Irrelevant completely willed the team to victory to keep their chances of the No. 1 seed in the NFC intact, now requiring only a win over the Seahawks in Week 18 to secure. Arguably the most insane play was a touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk towards the end of the third quarter in which Purdy avoided two separate would-be sacks before nonchalantly flipping the ball to the perimeter for a score to his fullback. There were numerous other shining plays in the win, making his highlight reel on the evening one of the better ones to go back and watch for admirers of the game.

19 of Caleb Williams’ 42 passes were directed at rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland, each of whom also scored a touchdown in a game with over 940 yards of total offense. The two teams became the first teams since at least 1970 to each score three or more touchdowns within the first 18 minutes, eventually combining for 49 points before the half. That makes is even more staggering that Moore was so little involved in the offense, particularly to fantasy managers relying on his services in Championship week. The emergences of Burden and Loveland and the presence of electric second-year receiver Rome Odunze make Moore a declining fantasy asset, even though his recently-signed extension ties him to the Bears through the 2029 season.

The talented rookie right end led the team with 10 targets and caught one of the two touchdowns thrown by quarterback Caleb Williams, almost contributing to another with under 30 seconds to play when he pitched the ball to running back D’Andre Swift on a hook-and-ladder trick play inside the red zone. Swift was stood up at the three and the Bears were sent to their fifth loss on the next play when Williams’ pass to the end zone fell incomplete as time expired. Loveland’s fantasy value skyrocketed this season as one of the primary points of emphasis for an up-and-coming offense under Ben Johnson.

Burden’s only incompletion when targeted went down as a drop, which was really the only blemish in an otherwise sparkling game for the talented rookie. He served as the primary receiver with Rome Odunze on the shelf, in a game where both offenses combined for over 940 yards of total offense. Burden has continued to show his electric abilities with the ball in his hands this season and has made a case as one of the true rising stars in the league while ranking in the top five in fantasy points per route run at the position. Of note, Burden remained down on the field following his target in the end zone to end the game and it was reported that he was carted off the field as a result. Stay tuned for updates on his health in the coming days.

Monangai was handily out-gained by backfield mate D’Andre Swift, the latter of whom also scored twice on the ground in the loss. The fact the electric rookie wasn’t able to get more involved in the offensive game plan in a game where both offenses combined for over 940 yards is a bit disappointing for fantasy managers counting on his production in Championship week, although dynasty managers can rest easy knowing he has significantly outperformed expectations entering the season.

Swift’s modest carry total was more a product of the offense’s insane efficiency rather than a reduced role, with the two teams combining for 943 total yards of offense in what quickly became the game of the year. The veteran back found pay dirt twice on the ground before nearly tacking on a third on a trick play with under 30 seconds remaining and the team down by four. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw a quick slant inside to tight end Colston Loveland, who hit the hook-and-ladder to Swift around the edge. Swift was stood up at the three with enough time remaining to run one final play, which ultimately fell incomplete. It’ll be a more difficult matchup on the ground for Swift when they face off against the Lions in Week 18.

This game went off the rails in a hurry, with each team reaching desperation mode from the first offensive play from scrimmage as they battled it out for the chance to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC in Week 18. The Bears won the coin toss and deferred, returning a pick-six for a touchdown on the first play. The two teams would then trade blows throughout the first half, becoming the first two teams to each score three or more touchdowns in the first 18 minutes of an NFL game since at least 1970. Chicago gave up a touchdown with just under five minutes remaining to fall behind by four points, getting the football back with enough time to march the field and get into scoring position. The drive eventually culminated with the ball on the three and five seconds remaining, time for one final play in regulation. San Francisco’s defense held on as Williams’ pass fell short and incomplete, marking the end of one of the games of the season. Williams and the Bears remains the No. 2 seed in the NFC after beating the Eagles earlier this season, although they’ll need to beat the Lions in Week 18 to preserve that position.

Okonkwo broke free for a 43-yard score at the top of the second quarter by bull-rushing through Saints corner Kool-Aid McKinstry after securing a short toss from Cam Ward. The one play alone put him over 40 yards with a score for the second week in a row. Backup tight end Gunnar Helm was only targeted twice. He caught just one pass. Okonkwo will remain in the TE2 mix for his Week 18 date with the Jags.

Ayomanor secured TD No. 4 of his rookie season by leaving his defender in the dust for a seven-yard score. His seven targets tied Chig Okonkwo for a team-high in pass-game opportunities. Ayomanor hasn’t caught more than four passes in a game this year and that’s unlikely to change versus the Jags next week. He will be a splash-play WR5 for the season finale.

Dike also had a carry of seven yards and drew a 50-yard defensive pass interference. He finished the day tied for team-highs in catches and yards. With some help from his punt and kick returns, Dike set the record for all-purpose yards by a rookie at 2,344. Dike has his limitations as a receiver, but he is a force to be reckoned with when the ball is in his hands. He will be in the FLEX mix for his Week 18 date with the Jags.