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Niners Nation fantasy football takes on Kaelon Black
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Niners Nation about Kaelon Black.
80
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56
Positive
12
Negative
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All Niners Nation insights about Kaelon Black
NegativeUsageOct 26, 2026
Black's fumble cost the 49ers the game, according to the source. This was cited as one of two key plays (along with Osa Odighizuwa's defensive penalty) that determined the outcome, independent of officiating issues.NegativeUsageOct 26, 2026
Kaelon Black scored on a 30-yard touchdown run early in the game, pushing San Francisco's win probability to 80% at 14-3, but later fumbled, which dropped the Niners' win probability to 68%. The fumble was part of a critical turnover sequence that cost the 49ers the game; even removing the two fourth-quarter turnovers (Black's and Jordan James' fumbles) leaves 10-14 points off the board.PositiveRoleOct 26, 2026
Black had the best game of his season, averaging 5.25 yards per carry with 61 of his 63 yards coming after contact while forcing two missed tackles. He had a great jump cut on his touchdown run and benefited from a terrific block by Kyle Juszczyk to spring him on the score. However, he also had a fumble on back-to-back plays with Jordan James.PositiveBreakoutOct 26, 2026
Rookie RB Kaelon Black earned 3rd Star with his first NFL touchdown and a solid relief performance behind McCaffrey, finishing with 12 carries for 63 yards and a TD despite a fumble. Black's day started rough—his opening run lost 4 yards (blown up by Kendal Daniels), and he had zero net yards on his second touch, not gaining positive rushing yards until his fifth carry. However, he exploded thereafter: on the 49ers' third drive, he recorded a 15-yard run followed by a 7-yard gain, then capped the drive with a mostly untouched 30-yard touchdown run to put San Francisco up 14-3. The source describes it as "an encouraging overall performance" despite the fumble.PositiveRoleOct 26, 2026
Rookie running back Kaelon Black scored his first touchdown, a 30-yard rushing score for a 14-3 lead, stepping in after Christian McCaffrey's thigh injury; this marks his entry into the 49ers' offensive role.NegativeUsageOct 25, 2026
49ers player fumbled on the play immediately following a Jordan James fumble recovery by Luke Farrell, squandering a scoring opportunity at the Atlanta 28-yard line (2nd & 1); the turnover ended a drive in scoring range with no points and allowed Atlanta to eat up clock and score a field goal to end the half.NegativeUsageOct 25, 2026
Kaelon Black fumbled on the second consecutive play after his initial success; the 49ers were unable to recover this fumble, which came on Atlanta's 28-yard line on 2nd and 1.PositiveRoleOct 25, 2026
Rookie Kaelon Black stepped in during McCaffrey's absence and immediately produced, running for 15, 7, and a 30-yard touchdown on the first drive without McCaffrey; the drive took just 1:41 and four plays to score, giving the 49ers a 14-3 lead.PositiveUsageOct 20, 2026
Black converted on 3rd-and-1 during the 49ers' opening touchdown drive, contributing to the early offensive success.NegativeBustOct 14, 2026
Black has been underwhelming through five weeks despite appearing poised for a focal role in Week 1; snap usage has dwindled to 11% of the time. He carries a -0.10 EPA per touch with a 2.6% explosive play rate and only one impact play. Pass-blocking usage is minimal at 1.3% despite being drafted as one of the better pass-blocking prospects. Kyle Shanahan's play-calling is opaque when Black is on the field (47% runs, 41% pass routes). Red-zone efficiency is poor at 2.6 yards per carry versus 3.9 yards per carry outside the red zone. While Black shows some positive traits (bouncing off tackles, falling forward), he struggles with decisiveness in 1-on-1 situations and frequently bounces runs unnecessarily or stops his feet in the backfield.NegativeUsageOct 13, 2026
Black had six carries for 16 yards with 15 of those coming after contact, but was stuffed three times compared to zero stuffs by McCaffrey, indicating inefficiency and limited upside in the backup role.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
Black recorded a 10+ yard run in the 49ers' strong run-blocking performance against Seattle, demonstrating team trust despite ups and downs early in his rookie season. The source notes the team's confidence in him contrasts with recent running back draft picks.NegativeUsageOct 11, 2026
Black gained 11 yards on a play in the fourth-quarter game-winning drive but lost a yard on 3rd and 1 after Byron Murphy beat Connor Colby on the play.PositiveInjuryOct 8, 2026
Practiced in full on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with an illness; cleared to return.PositiveRoleOct 8, 2026
Black demonstrated heads-up instincts on a critical fourth-down play when Jake Brendel's snap went awry; Black recovered the loose ball and converted the fourth down, showing rookie poise and problem-solving ability in high-pressure situations.NegativeInjuryOct 7, 2026
Running back Kaelon Black was limited in practice Wednesday due to illness, with the source noting uncertainty about whether the limitation will reduce his snap count.NegativeUsageOct 7, 2026
Black has averaged 3.9 yards per carry through four weeks and ranks 45th in yards after contact. Despite these individual metrics, the 49ers' overall run game has improved to 4.8 yards per carry (seventh in the league) and 8th in rushing success rate, driven by offensive line performance (fifth in yards before contact per rush at 1.93 yards) and scheme wrinkles with Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy's leg mobility.PositiveRoleOct 6, 2026
Black made a crucial heads-up play on a fourth-and-1 conversion at Denver's 18-yard line, catching a deflected snap from center Jake Brendel and diving for the first down. The play was designed as a handoff to Black, but the bad snap forced him to improvise; his awareness to make the dive and convert was invaluable. As a rookie, Black has been praised for his ability to spell Christian McCaffrey and his awareness on plays like this. The conversion set up a Deebo Samuel touchdown a few plays later.NegativeRoleOct 5, 2026
Black only had six carries and looked indecisive on half of them. He bounced a run when he shouldn't have on third-and-short and failed to pick up the first down. The source suggests it wouldn't be surprising to see Deebo Samuel see an uptick in carries, implying Black's role may be reduced.PositiveUsageOct 4, 2026
Black converted a critical 4th-and-1 play when Jake Brendel snapped the ball as if Purdy were under center, with the ball flipping into the air and into Black's hands; this play kept a crucial drive alive and led to a touchdown, showing he can be involved in key moments.NegativeUsageOct 2, 2026
Kaelon Black added 17 yards on four carries in the 49ers' run game development against Arizona, contributing to the team's 140-yard rushing performance and over six yards per carry average. This indicates emerging depth in the 49ers' backfield behind Christian McCaffrey.NegativeRoleSep 28, 2026
Black played only 8 snaps compared to Christian McCaffrey's 41 in the divisional game. The source notes that Black left some yards on the field in the previous week but acknowledged he's a rookie and such games are expected. His limited snap share in Week 3 reflects the 49ers' preference for McCaffrey in divisional play.PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
Kaelon Black joined the offensive action with a nine-yard gain on a play during the 49ers' game-winning drive, indicating increased offensive involvement.NegativeUsageSep 25, 2026
Black continues to get carries in the 49ers' run game rotation, with seven carries for 25 yards in Week 2 following 14 carries for 65 yards against the Rams; the source expects increased run-game opportunity in Week 3 against Arizona's below-average run defense.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
49ers third-round pick in 2025 draft; Kyle Shanahan ranked him as the team's No. 2 running back target in the draft, a controversial selection given expectations he'd fall to Day 3 and no running back had been drafted since Jadarian Price at No. 32 overall; has gotten off to a fast start in the 2026 season.PositiveBreakoutSep 23, 2026
Rookie running back Kaelon Black out of Indiana has more carries and almost as many rushing yards (90) as Christian McCaffrey (91) through two weeks. This is impressive for a third-round pick who didn't even get an invite to the NFL combine.NegativeUsageSep 22, 2026
Black left some yards on the table in Week 2; he continues to produce yards after contact but didn't have near the volume as Week 1.NegativeUsageSep 21, 2026
Black rushed for 25 yards with 28 of those coming after contact, matching McCaffrey's after-contact production (27 yards) despite fewer carries, indicating efficient running when given opportunities in a game where the 49ers' passing game dominated.PositiveInjurySep 20, 2026
Running back Kaelon Black will play despite being listed on the injury report with a groin injury; Kyle Sahnahan indicated the Niners were playing it safe with their rookie running back, suggesting the injury is not serious enough to sideline him.PositiveUsageSep 20, 2026
49ers RB found great success in Week 1 against the Rams, rushing for part of a combined 133 yards on over 5.5 yards per carry alongside Christian McCaffrey; the 49ers are expected to continue emphasizing the ground game in Week 2 with more than 24 combined carries from their running backs.PositiveInjurySep 20, 2026
49ers running back Kaelon Black was listed as questionable heading into Week 2 but is expected to play against Miami, confirming his availability for fantasy purposes.PositiveInjurySep 19, 2026
Questionable with groin injury but expected to play Week 2; 49ers did not elevate a running back, which heavily indicates Black will be ready to go after being limited Thursday and Friday in practice.PositiveRoleSep 19, 2026
Black is emerging as a complementary back capable of shouldering significant load in the 49ers' rushing attack. He rushed for over 60 yards with great efficiency in Week 1 against the Rams, and the source explicitly notes that 'Black now being able to shoulder some of the load as well' in a vintage Shanahan rushing game setup against Miami's worst-ranked defense, positioning him for increased touches and fantasy upside in Week 2.NegativeInjurySep 19, 2026
49ers rookie RB Kaelon Black is questionable vs. Dolphins with a groin injury; Kyle Shanahan offered only 'a questionable amount of optimism' regarding Black's availability and declined to specify whether it is the same groin injury Black dealt with earlier in the season.NegativeInjurySep 18, 2026
Rookie running back questionable with groin tightness listed on Thursday's injury report. Shanahan indicated the team was being smart with Black on Thursday, suggesting cautious management of the injury heading into Week 2. His availability will determine whether the 49ers activate Jordan James or increase Deebo Samuel's involvement in the backfield.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
The source expects Week 2 to be 'a Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Kaelon Black game.' Black forced five missed tackles alongside McCaffrey and combined for 97 yards after contact in Week 1. He was part of the pony set (two running backs in backfield) that generated a touchdown on an angle route against Miami's rookie cornerback Chris Johnson.NegativeInjurySep 18, 2026
The 49ers added running back Kaelon Black to the injury report with a groin injury on Thursday, but head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the team was being precautionary with the rookie rather than facing a serious concern.NegativeInjurySep 18, 2026
Kaelon Black was added to the 49ers' injury report with tightness but was limited in practice rather than held out entirely. Kyle Shanahan indicated the team was being cautious, stating 'I think we're just being smart with him. He was a little tight today, so we didn't push him too hard.' The source notes there have been no reports suggesting the injury is serious.NegativeInjurySep 17, 2026
Rookie running back added to the injury report with a groin injury and limited designation. The source notes it's a positive sign that no reports have emerged about the injury being serious; Kyle Shanahan will provide updates Friday.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Rookie RB got a significant role in Week 1 with 65 rushing yards on 14 carries and 28 snaps (compared to Christian McCaffrey's 36); ran 12 routes and handled pass protection duties. Kyle Shanahan praised his performance.PositiveRoleSep 17, 2026
Rookie Kaelon Black, a surprise third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, earned significant early-down work in Week 1 with 14 carries for 65 yards against the Rams—four more carries than McCaffrey. Lynch credited Black's training camp performance, assignment execution, and pass-protection ability as earning him the rotation role. Shanahan emphasized Black's preparation and attentiveness throughout the week, noting he was confident in Black's knowledge of the offense and play-calling, which made it easier for position coaches to sub him in. With San Francisco favored by nearly two touchdowns against Miami in Week 2, Black is likely to see significant volume again.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Third-round rookie RB received 14 carries in Week 1 debut versus McCaffrey's 10, averaging 4.6 yards per carry for 65 yards. Kyle Shanahan noted Black's preparation and attentiveness to detail separated him from previous rookie backs; Shanahan stated Black 'was prepared for everything, the run game and the pass game' and showed rare maturity and pro-readiness since day one, making it easier for coaches to substitute him in and manage McCaffrey's workload.PositiveRoleSep 16, 2026
Kaelon Black was arguably the biggest surprise of Week 1, getting early involvement in the 49ers' offensive game plan. The rookie running back had a carry and reception on the first drive, came onto the field for the second drive, and accumulated more carries than Christian McCaffrey in Week 1. The game script allowed Black to get snaps in the fourth quarter, establishing him as part of Kyle Shanahan's rotation strategy.NegativeUsageSep 16, 2026
Rookie running back Black out-carried Christian McCaffrey 14-10 in Week 1, gaining 65 yards on his attempts with explosive play and a 14-yard long run; the source notes this is only the third instance of a 49ers RB not named McCaffrey receiving 14+ carries in a game where McCaffrey played (Elijah Mitchell had 18 in Week 10 2022 and 17 in Week 17 2023), making it significant but uncertain whether intentional or a one-game blip.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Rookie RB contributed positively to 49ers' running game in Week 1 win over Rams (27-7). The Athletic's Chad Graff and Josh Kendall specifically cited the running game's strong performance, including Black's involvement, as a key component of the 49ers' dominant offensive display in Australia.PositiveBreakoutSep 15, 2026
49ers third-round rookie RB Kaelon Black (No. 90 overall, 2026 draft) impressed in Week 1 debut with veteran teammate endorsement; McKivitz noted Black 'runs hard,' hits holes decisively without hesitation, and compares favorably to Jordan Mason 'but with a little more juice,' indicating the former Indiana national championship star has earned early offensive role and trust despite minor blocking assignment issues.PositiveBreakoutSep 14, 2026
Rookie third-rounder Kaelon Black led the 49ers in carries with 14 in Week 1 against the Rams, compared to Christian McCaffrey's 10, while the duo combined for 133 rushing yards. Black looked quick and exploded vertically for quality gains behind great holes from the offensive line, and was able to spell McCaffrey quite a bit. He also demonstrated quality pass protection. The source notes Black's performance came after significant offseason discourse regarding the value of his draft position, and suggests he could be a viable option as a runner who fits well into San Francisco's ground game while keeping McCaffrey fresher.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Running back expected to take on a larger snap share at the position due to Stribling's injury and the shift in Christian McCaffrey's usage toward receiver roles; positioned to see increased carries and touches.PositiveUsageSep 12, 2026
Running back Kaelon Black was featured in Kyle Shanahan's creative motion-based play design, receiving a 5-yard screen pass where Kyle Juszczyk ran across the formation to clear out safety Kam Curl on the left side, demonstrating Shanahan's use of lead-blocking concepts to create receiving opportunities.PositiveBreakoutSep 11, 2026
Black out-carried McCaffrey 14 to 10 and finished with 65 yards in his season debut, establishing himself as the clear RB2 with Jordan James inactive; the source calls this 'one of the biggest surprises to come from this game' and notes the rushing attack looked 'back on track from years past.'PositiveBreakoutSep 11, 2026
Rookie third-round pick Kaelon Black earned significant Week 1 workload and efficiency metrics that justify the draft investment. Black had 14 carries for 65 yards (4.6 YPC) and 0.02 EPA per rush, showing explosiveness through the hole on zone runs. Kyle Shanahan confirmed Black's usage was intentional, part of a planned balanced approach with McCaffrey. McCaffrey praised Black post-game: 'He did incredible... he's a force and he's someone who's going to help our team a whole lot.' The source credits Black's rest for McCaffrey's improved efficiency (6.8 YPC) and notes Black was drafted in the third round despite most projecting him much later, suggesting the source views his Week 1 performance as validation of Shanahan's conviction.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Kaelon Black, the new addition to the 49ers backfield, led the team with 14 carries in Week 1, demonstrating the 49ers' comfort level and early-down usage for the rookie; he and McCaffrey combined for 133 yards on 24 carries (5.5 yards per carry) in a dominant run game performance, suggesting Black has secured a significant early-down role despite pre-game uncertainty about the timeshare.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Black emerged as the 49ers' No. 2 back with a distinct running style; described as a 'human pistol shrimp' who shoots through holes aggressively and generates positive yardage despite limited interest in reading offensive line flow. Shanahan split carries between Black and McCaffrey, giving Black meaningful backfield usage.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Black was featured on the field on the first drive of the game as the 49ers' running back, fulfilling Shanahan's stated intention to use him early. Black had a reception and a carry, with his catch helping keep the drive alive. He was also the first running back to start the second drive.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
The 49ers' decision to keep only two running backs active is a sign that the team is comfortable giving Kaelon Black touches at the running back position, indicating increased opportunity in the backfield.PositiveBreakoutSep 9, 2026
Backup running back has received significant praise after a quality training camp and preseason, making him a candidate for snaps in the 49ers backfield split against the Rams in Week 1.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Kaelon Black is ascending in the 49ers backfield, providing depth that allows Christian McCaffrey to be fresher heading into Week 14 against the Rams.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
The source projects Black will contribute in the 49ers' Week 4 matchup against Denver, alongside George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey. Black is part of the new downfield speed and big-bodied boundary-catch element the source expects to help the 49ers' offense execute in 2026.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Kaelon Black is identified as a compelling running back option added to the 49ers offense to keep Christian McCaffrey fresh and provide relief. The source emphasizes that Black adds a new element to the offense, suggesting he will see meaningful touches and role in the backfield rotation.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
Black is a viable backup option who can assume significant volume similar to 2023 depth; he ran well in preseason showing decisiveness that led to first downs, and his ability to contribute in the passing game through pass protection and receiving makes him part of a complete running back unit, though youth will mean inevitable mistakes.PositiveBreakoutSep 1, 2026
Kaelon Black's emergence in preseason gives the 49ers confidence in the running back depth behind McCaffrey; the rookie has looked great and could serve as a change-of-pace option or potential RB2.PositiveRoleAug 31, 2026
49ers rookie Kaelon Black impressed during the preseason, and his performance instilled enough confidence in the organization to carry three running backs initially; it remains to be seen if Black will spell McCaffrey more in 2026.PositiveRoleAug 31, 2026
Rookie RB expected to carry significant backup load behind Christian McCaffrey with Isaac Guerendo on PUP; positioned as primary depth option alongside Jordan James in 49ers backfield.PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
Kaelon Black did not play special teams in the preseason, which is a sign he is the RB2 on the 49ers depth chart, indicating he is being preserved for offensive duties.PositiveBreakoutAug 29, 2026
The 49ers rookie RB has been impressive in the preseason, prompting discussion that he might be an heir apparent to McCaffrey long-term. The source projects Black should receive 30 percent of snaps, provided his preseason optimism translates to Weeks 1–2. Black's performance could give Kyle Shanahan confidence that pulling McCaffrey for plays isn't a hindrance, addressing a long-standing gap in the 49ers' RB depth. Brian Robinson Jr., the backup behind McCaffrey last year, was a significant upgrade, and Black might be even better.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
The 2026 third-round pick won the RB2 job in preseason, rushing for 61 yards on 12 carries (5.1 yards per carry) and demonstrating exceptional pass protection ability and vision between the tackles—critical traits for a back tasked with relieving McCaffrey's workload.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Black earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster with a strong preseason finale performance; on four carries, he averaged 7 yards per attempt for 28 rushing yards, including an impressive 14-yard run around the right edge that impressed Kyle Shanahan enough to be his final touch of the evening. Black and James are already locks to make the roster, and their shared backfield performance gives confidence to a backup running back spot that has had significant turnover in recent years.NegativeRoleAug 28, 2026
Rookie running back Kaelon Black showed early learning curve issues in preseason, including miscommunication with QB Mac Jones on a second-down pass route and needing to improve reading coverages on option routes. Black had a 14-yard run on good blocking but gave way to Jordan James in the second quarter, indicating depth chart positioning.NegativeUsageAug 27, 2026
Running back of interest for preseason finale; playing time and volume to be determined, with potential complications from backup offensive line usage.PositiveSleeperAug 27, 2026
Kaelon Black is identified as a sneaky good contributor in the 49ers backfield, with upside extending beyond 2026; the depth he provides should make Christian McCaffrey more effective while offering standalone value.PositiveBreakoutAug 27, 2026
Kaelon Black showed plenty of promise in his preseason debut and will get carries in the preseason finale, working in tandem with Jordan James in the first half. He's locked in for the 53-man roster.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Black impressed in Week 2 preseason action with 33 yards on 8 carries, showcasing vision, hole-finding ability, and solid pass protection. His strong performance has catapulted him up the depth chart ahead of Jordan James. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak praised Black's work, saying 'he's stepped up' and noting the team is 'excited about his future,' though he must continue improving and stay healthy.PositiveUsageAug 24, 2026
Kubiak outlined Black's next developmental step: expanded passing-game role. During OTAs and early training camp, Black was active as a wide receiver with 49ers isolating him against linebackers to exploit his speed. Kubiak emphasized getting Black reps on "choice routes, option routes, things out of the backfield that we ask our backs to do consistently" and building "comfort and timing with the quarterback." Kubiak noted Black has "done a nice job" in recent practices but needs "more reps, more growth" to fully develop pass-game skills.PositiveBreakoutAug 24, 2026
Kubiak praised Black's running ability and explosiveness in preseason, noting he "created on his own" with elusiveness to work back to line despite missed blocks; Kubiak said Black "brought kind of a spark to our offense" with ability to "muscle his way through for five, six yards" and "good speed to burst and get some explosive runs." Kubiak expressed confidence in Black's trajectory: "I think we're going to have a good player on our hands down the road" and highlighted his composure in first NFL action—"the moment wasn't big for him. He didn't blink."PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Rookie running back impressed 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak in preseason debut with pass protection performance sharp enough for QB Brock Purdy to mention to media; Kubiak noted Black was "on it from the second snap" when blitz came, describing him as "stout" and crediting running backs coach Bobby Turner with his development. Black showed coachability, playbook mastery, and sharp football intelligence.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Impressive practice performance with multiple big runs; three-down player who can catch passes and will be targeted by 49ers; best skill is running ball particularly between tackles with zero hesitation and ability to squirt through creases; hard-charging style reminiscent of Frank Gore; demonstrated toughness taking helmet-to-helmet hit from Fred Warner, staying down briefly then exploding for 20-yard gain on next play.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Second-year RB Kaelon Black earned preseason reps and is competing with Jordan James for the RB2 role. However, during OTAs, James was the one receiving starter reps when Christian McCaffrey had off days, indicating Black may be in a secondary position in the depth chart hierarchy. The source frames this as an ongoing competition that will likely extend into the season.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Black's discipline as a runner is impressive; he has zero interest in bouncing runs to the outside and stays on a vertical path, pinballing off defenders for positive gains. A key positive trait is his refusal to stop his feet in the backfield—he was always gaining ground with one-cut-and-go efficiency. This contrasts with Brian Robinson Jr., who struggled with the same tendency to stop his feet.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Black is likely the RB2 with Jordan James still dealing with an injury. The former Indiana Hoosier flashed in the preseason game, running hard and forcing three missed tackles while demonstrating strong pass protection work—a critical skill in Kyle Shanahan's system where missing blocking assignments can land players in the doghouse.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Black's discipline as a runner is impressive; he stays on a vertical path and refuses to bounce runs outside, pinballing off defenders for positive gains. The source notes this trait—refusal to stop his feet in the backfield—is something Brian Robinson Jr. couldn't stop doing. On eight carries, Black forced three missed tackles, had 21 of his 33 yards after contact, and picked up a pair of first downs. Equally important, Black was a key part of pass protection, picking up a blitz on both opportunities without giving ground. The source calls him prepared and fantastic.