Fantasy football advice, Week 16: Who to start/sit for 49ers vs. Lions
It’s two teams just looking to end the season with a good taste in their mouths.
The 2015 season is basically over for the 4-10 San Francisco 49ers and the 5-9 Detroit Lions. Neither team will make the playoffs. But a hot end for either team could get them feeling more optimistic about their 2016 fortunes. The two play one another Sunday.
The 49ers will be without running back Shaun Draughn Sunday, but should have wide receiver Torrey Smith on the field despite his own injuries. For the Lions, wide receiver Calvin Johnson is still held up with an ankle issue, but he is expected to play.
The Lions host the 49ers Sunday. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET, and here’s a look at the fantasy names we’re considering:
49ERS
Sit ‘em: Since that 24-point fantasy game Blaine Gabbert had a few weeks back, he's totaled 22 fantasy points in two games. That's who he is. ... With Shaun Draughn out, the 49ers will use DuJuan Harris and Kendall Gaskins at running back. If I'm forced to use one, it's Harris, but lord help you if you're in that position. ... Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith have suffered with the quarterback situation. ... Vance McDonald has two fantasy points and a game missed due to injury in three weeks since his decent run. ... Phil Dawson hasn't cracked double-digit fantasy points with Gabbert at quarterback. ... The 49ers' defense is better at home, and they're on the road Sunday.
LIONS
Start ‘em: I don’t know what the deal is with Calvin Johnson, whether it’s injury or gameflow or what. If you have him, you have to use him, but man, his floor is apparently zero points.
Start ‘em?: It's been up and down for Matthew Stafford almost all season. He's a high-end QB2 with upside. ... Golden Tate has been a fantasy monster of late, with six straight games with six-plus points and 13 per game in his last four. ... Eric Ebron has the touchdown upside to be worth a TE2 look in a desperation situation. ... Matt Prater has six fantasy points in his last two weeks, but he averaged 11.5 a game in the four before that. ... The Lions' defense is no great shakes, but against San Francisco it's worth a look.
Sit ‘em: It seems like Joique Bell is playing second fiddle to Ameer Abdullah in most rankings, but Bell has outscored Abdullah in two straight, three of four and five of seven. Meanwhile, Theo Riddick deserves some very mild consideration in PPR. Overall, though, just avoid this position group.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Calvin Johnson
Start if you’re desperate: Matthew Stafford, Golden Tate, Eric Ebron, Matt Prater, Detroit defense
Bench: Blaine Gabbert, DuJuan Harris, Kendall Gaskins, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Vance McDonald, Phil Dawson, San Francisco defense, Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick
