Remember some of those classic Green Bay Packers-San Francisco 49ers games we’ve seen in recent years? There’s every chance this won’t be that. The Packers, at 3-0, are still as good as ever, but the 1-2 49ers have fallen on significant hard times over the last year or so. You never know, but this doesn’t look likely to be as competitive as some of the recent matchups in this rivalry.
Fantasy football advice, Week 4: Who to start/sit for Packers vs. 49ers
A rivalry that has seen some great games in recent years looks different now with one of the teams in a tailspin.
Several big-name Packers popped up on the week’s injury report, including running back Eddie Lacy (ankle) and wide receivers Randall Cobb (shoulder) and Davante Adams (ankle). Cobb and Lacy are expected to be fine for Sunday, though Adams is doubtful. On the 49ers’ side, running back Reggie Bush is expected to make his return after a Week 1 calf injury.
The 49ers will host the Packers Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
PACKERS
Start ‘em: If there’s one no-doubt sure thing in all of fantasy football, it’s Aaron Rodgers, who is averaging 25.7 fantasy points a game. ... Battling injury, it’s been frustrating to own Eddie Lacy so far, but he’s looking healthy now and should be fine. ... Randall Cobb had a monster Week 3, and with Jordy Nelson out, he’s easily Rodgers’ top target. ... Mason Crosby is averaging almost 11 points a game, which is strong for a kicker. ... The Packers’ defense seems like it will always be right at the back of the starting defenses.
Start ‘em?: With the likelihood that Adams misses Sunday, James Jones and his seemingly unsustainable touchdown production gets an upgrade this week. He’s a solid flex play.
Sit ‘em: The absence of Adams also boosts Ty Montgomery, but he probably needs more of a boost to be a realistic fantasy option. ... Richard Rodgers had that one touchdown in Week 2, but in general, the Packers don’t have a tight end worth a fantasy look.
49ERS
Start ‘em: It’s been harder times since Carlos Hyde’s huge Week 1, but he’s still the team’s top running back and a fine fantasy play.
Sit ‘em: Right after a huge game in mostly garbage time, Colin Kaepernick crashed hard with four fantasy points in Week 3. He’s far too inconsistent to be a realistic fantasy option. ... The chances that the 49ers fall behind Sunday and turn to Reggie Bush as a pass catcher exist, but his injury history and lack of recent performance keep him from any real fantasy play. ... The 49ers’ pass catchers -- Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Vernon Davis -- are too inconsistent and lack the upside to consider any sort of use. ... The problems with the San Francisco offense keep Phil Dawson from being a real fantasy play. ... The 49ers’ defense put up 13 fantasy points in Week 1. Two weeks later, the unit’s season total is back to zero. That’s hard to do.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby, Green Bay defense, Carlos Hyde
Start if you’re desperate: James Jones
Bench: Ty Montgomery, Richard Rodgers, Colin Kaepernick, Reggie Bush, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Vernon Davis, Phil Dawson, San Francisco defense
