A few weeks ago, it looked like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks were both prime candidates to battle for the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks have won three straight games since then to put themselves in good shape. The 49ers, meanwhile, have apparently completely fallen apart, losing two in a row in embarrassing fashion. They are still technically alive for a playoff spot, but just barely. Sunday, the teams will face-off for the second time this season.
49ers vs. Seahawks start/sit advice: Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch
Remember when these two teams looked like they were close to one another? Not so much now.
As bad as things have gone for San Francisco of late, the team is at least basically healthy from a fantasy perspective. Wide receiver Stevie Johnson has been ruled out for this game with a knee injury, but that's basically it. The Seahawks are pretty healthy as well; running back Marshawn Lynch will play through a back issue, while tight end Cooper Helfet is more of a question mark with an ankle injury.
Sunday’s game will be played in Seattle, scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to think about:
49ERS
Start 'em?: I suppose you could still justify using Phil Dawson in fantasy, but man is it not exciting. ... As bad as the San Francisco offense has been of late, the 49ers' defense has been at least not embarrassing. It's a very middling option.
Sit 'em: Even before he had completely fallen apart, Colin Kaepernick wasn't doing anything for fantasy, and it's gotten even worse of late. ... The San Francisco skill players have all struggled wildly of late, rendering Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde, Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis all basically worthless.
SEAHAWKS
Start 'em: He won't keep running like he has been, but Russell Wilson is still an easy low-end starting quarterback. ... Marshawn Lynch is a definite starter at running back. ... Steven Hauschka has had at least seven fantasy points in 11 straight games. ... The Seahawks' defense is a fantastic fantasy option this week.
Start 'em?: If you're digging deep, Doug Baldwin has had occasional good games, though they've been interspersed with some awful ones, so it's high-risk.
Sit 'em: The war of attrition in the Seattle tight-end situation has left Luke Willson the last man standing, but he's not a fantasy option.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Steven Hauschka, Seattle defense
Start if you’re desperate: Phil Dawson, San Francisco defense, Doug Baldwin
Bench: Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde, Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Luke Willson
