Fantasy football advice, Week 7: Who to start/sit for 49ers vs. Broncos

Recent years have established the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos as two of the league's top franchises. This season has continued that, with the 49ers moving to 4-2 after a rough start to the season, and the Broncos sitting at 4-1, with their only loss coming in overtime to the defending Super Bowl champions. The two elite franchises face off Sunday.

The 49ers are getting healthier, with only tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Stevie Johnson on the injury report among fantasy-relevant players, and both are expected to play. For the Broncos, they will be without running back Montee Ball for the second straight week, while running back Juwan Thompson is expected to be active as he deals with a knee injury.

Start 'em: Last week was huge for Colin Kaepernick, who showed he's still a QB1 with a 28-point performance. ... Frank Gore isn't very consistent, but he still has a big role at a position that's been a wasteland. He's a low-end RB2. ... Phil Dawson has now put up three strong games in a row. He's a good starter.

Start 'em?: Three games of 10-plus points, three of four-or-fewer for Michael Crabtree. He's a flex play. ... I'd prefer to wait until Vernon Davis shows he can produce to start him, though it's possible/likely his fantasy owners don't have a better option.

Sit 'em: Early on, Carlos Hyde was getting enough work to be a fantasy factor, but he's fallen off the map recently. He's only helpful as a Gore handcuff. ... Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson both offer occasional value, but not enough to play them. ... The 49ers' defense has been good in two of its last three games, but this is a Denver matchup, so maybe don't use San Francisco here.

Start 'em: Five games of 20 or more points to start the season for Peyton Manning. Good times. ... Ronnie Hillman looks to have cemented his role as the team's No. 1 running back in Ball's absence, so long as he can hold on to the ball. ... Yeah, Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas are both really good. ... Brandon McManus must enjoy being the Denver kicker. It's a good gig. ... The Broncos' defense has been marginal this year, but could see a rise in value against an inconsistent San Francisco offense.

Start 'em?: I guess I'm a stick in the mud about Emmanuel Sanders, and he certainly gets plenty of targets, but I don't think he's better than a flex play, especially since he has yet to score a touchdown.

Sit 'em: It's one thing to surpass C.J. Anderson in the team's depth chart, but Juwan Thompson is a long way from fantasy usefulness. ... Until Wes Welker starts seeing more action, he's just someone to stash, not someone to use.

Start in every league: Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, Phil Dawson, Peyton Manning, Ronnie Hillman, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Brandon McManus, Denver defense
Start if you're desperate: Michael Crabtree, Emmanuel Sanders
Bench: Carlos Hyde, Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson, San Francisco defense, Juwan Thompson, Wes Welker