Fantasy football advice, Week 5: Who to start/sit for 49ers vs. Giants on Sunday night

The San Francisco 49ers had a nice win to open their season, but since then they’ve gone 0-3, looking progressively less impressive as the season has gone on. The New York Giants, meanwhile, looked lost after choking away their first two games of the season, but have bounced back with two wins and now sit at 2-2, tied for first in the NFC East. Sunday, the two teams play one another.

The 49ers will be without tight end Vernon Davis Sunday as he deals with a knee injury. On the Giants side, they’ll once again be without wide receiver Victor Cruz.

The Giants will host the game Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: Since Week 1, Carlos Hyde has averaged 4.3 fantasy points a game. Still, he’s a fine RB2, if only because he’s the best option his team has.

Start ‘em?: Yes, it’s been an awful last two weeks for Colin Kaepernick, but we’re only three weeks removed from a huge fantasy day, and it’s not like the Giants have some stellar secondary.

Sit ‘em: If Kaepernick performs, maybe Anquan Boldin and/or Torrey Smith will offer success, but in general, you can’t rely on either one. ... With Vernon Davis (and Vance McDonald) sidelined, the 49ers will turn to Garrett Celek at tight end, but he’s not a good fantasy play. ... Phil Dawson would be a better fantasy kicker if, you know, the San Francisco offense was stronger. ... The 49ers defense has three total fantasy points on the season.

Start ‘em: Since his weak first game, Eli Manning has put up 19, 19 and 18 fantasy points. He’s a fantasy starter. ... Odell Beckham Jr. hasn’t been as strong as he was last year, but he’s still a clear-cut WR1. ... Josh Brown has been a strong fantasy kicker all season. ... The Giants defense has performed better than expected so far, and the San Francisco offense hasn’t been impressive.

Start ‘em?: If you’re using a Giants running back, it’d be Rashad Jennings, though he’s only a flex play. ... Rueben Randle has averaged 13 fantasy points per game the last two weeks. He’s got potential as a mid-range flex. ... Larry Donnell has three or fewer fantasy points in three of four games this year; he gets targets, but needs to do more.

Sit ‘em: Behind Jennings, Shane Vereen and Andre Williams just aren’t offering enough to work with.

Start in every league: Carlos Hyde, Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Josh Brown, New York defense
Start if you’re desperate: Colin Kaepernick, Rashad Jennings, Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell
Bench: Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Garrett Celek, Phil Dawson, San Francisco defense, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams