Sometimes, it’s hard to find a story line for a given game. For Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens-San Francisco 49ers game, it’s just hard to pick which storyline to use. Super Bowl XLVII rematch? Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith back in Baltimore? Two 1-4 teams desperate for a win? Something about the Harbaughs?
Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Ravens vs. 49ers
It’s “choose your own story line” in this one, with a game full of them.
Anyway, the Ravens will be without wide receivers Steve Smith, Sr. and Breshad Perriman for Sunday’s game, and maybe also running back Justin Forsett, who is a game-time decision with an ankle injury. The team does expect to get tight end Crockett Gillmore back, however. On the San Francisco side, running back Reggie Bush likely won’t play, while running back Carlos Hyde and tight end Vernon Davis are both expected to be on the field.
Baltimore heads west for Sunday’s game in San Francisco, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy considerations:
RAVENS
Start ‘em: Through five weeks, Justin Tucker has kicked for 50 fantasy points. The math there is easy.
Start ‘em?: With so many of his weapons missing, it’s tempting to avoid Joe Flacco. Of course, that was true a week ago and he ran for two touchdowns. He’s a QB2. ... Justin Forsett finally got his season on track, with back-to-back big games, only to hurt his ankle. If he’s active, you’re using him, and if he isn’t, Buck Allen is an interesting plug-in option.
Sit ‘em: With Steve Smith, Sr. out, Kamar Aiken was good, not great in Week 5. He doesn’t carry a lot of upside. ... The team’s tight end tandem of Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams doesn’t have a lot of immediate promise. ... The Ravens defense has been bad outside of Week 1.
49ERS
Start ‘em: Week 5 reminded us that Carlos Hyde has easy RB1 talent.
Start ‘em?: After a couple of bad games, Colin Kaepernick reminded us of what he can do in Week 5. Against a Baltimore team without much of a pass rush, he’s an appealing fill-in candidate. ... Returning to Baltimore, Anquan Boldin is a mid-range flex option, though he has significant downside. ... Phil Dawson’s numbers are down this year, as the San Francisco offense has taken an overall step back.
Sit ‘em: Take out Week 2, and Torrey Smith has done almost nothing with San Francisco. ... Vernon Davis’ return to the San Francisco lineup shouldn’t coincide with a return to fantasy lineups. ... The 49ers’ defense has put up negative total fantasy points this season.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Justin Tucker, Carlos Hyde
Start if you’re desperate: Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Buck Allen, Colin Kaepernick, Anquan Boldin, Phil Dawson
Bench: Kamar Aiken, Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Baltimore defense, Torrey Smith, Vernon Davis, San Francisco defense
