Fantasy football advice, Week 15: Who to start/sit for Bengals vs. 49ers

The Cincinnati Bengals get their first full game without quarterback Andy Dalton Sunday, putting backup AJ McCarron to the test on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, with the Bengals needing every win possible to get back in line for a bye in the AFC playoffs.

In addition to being without Dalton at quarterback, the Bengals will be missing tight end Tyler Eifert Sunday as he deals with a concussion. The 49ers, meanwhile, have a lengthy injury report. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin should play, while positionmate Torrey Smith is expected to be a game-time decision. Tight end Vance McDonald should return after missing Week 14 with a concussion.

Start ‘em: The 49ers don't do well against the run; this bodes well for Jeremy Hill. ... Even with a backup quarterback, A.J. Green should be fine to use in all leagues Sunday. ... The last time Mike Nugent had fewer than seven fantasy points in a game, it was Week 4. ... The Bengals' defense is a must-start.

Start ‘em?: It's been very up-and-down for Giovani Bernard lately. He's a high-upside flex option. ... Marvin Jones has a high floor as a No. 2 wide receiver.

Sit ‘em: There is actually some reason for upside to AJ McCarron, with a host of weapons. But in the fantasy playoffs, and with San Francisco a much better home defense than road, better to avoid. ... With Tyler Eifert out, Tyler Kroft will be the team's primary tight end, but he isn't a fantasy option.

Start ‘em?: At running back, Shaun Draughn has the virtue of being the team's only real contributor, but there's not much quality. He's a risky flex. ... If McCarron struggles in a backup role, the 49ers' defense could be a sneaky play.

Sit ‘em: In five starts, Blaine Gabbert has at least 12 fantasy points every time, but the only time he's had a big game was on two fluke plays. He's not a fantasy option. ... Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith have one player-game in double digits in the last seven. Nope. ... Vance McDonald had a nice two-game stretch, but it doesn't look likely to continue. ... Phil Dawson reached double-digit production in Weeks 5 and 6, the only times he's done so all season.

Start in every league: Jeremy Hill, A.J. Green, Mike Nugent, Cincinnati defense
Start if you're desperate: Giovani Bernard, Marvin Jones, Shaun Draughn, San Francisco defense
Bench: AJ McCarron, Tyler Kroft, Blaine Gabbert, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Vance McDonald, Phil Dawson