As far as any playoff hopes are considered, the San Francisco 49ers, at 3-8, are done for the season. They could win out, and likely wouldn't sniff the postseason. The Chicago Bears, though, are 5-6, and have a favorable schedule down the stretch. The team isn't in good shape as far as the playoffs are concerned, but certainly needs every win possible to keep hopes alive. The two teams play one another Sunday.
Fantasy football advice, Week 13: Who to start/sit for 49ers vs. Bears
The 49ers are basically done for 2015. Can the Bears avoid the same fate?
The 49ers will be without running back Carlos Hyde and tight end Garrett Celek for Sunday. Wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith are both on the injury report as well, but both are expected to be fine for the game. As for the Bears, the team will be without wide receiver Marquess Wilson for Sunday, but has a chance in turn to get Eddie Royal back from his own lingering injury. Quarterback Jay Cutler and tight ends Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller are all on the injury report as well, though all three are expected to play Sunday.
The 49ers head east for Sunday’s game in Chicago, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
49ERS
Start ‘em?: The absence of Carlos Hyde has let Shaun Draughn rise; he has 23 fantasy points in three games. You'd like more upside than he has, but in a pinch, he's high-floor. ... Vance McDonald has had a pair of decent fantasy games in a row; it's a deep dive, but he has potential with Garrett Celek hurt. ... Phil Dawson has been good-not-great over the last month-plus.
Sit ‘em: Since taking over the team's starting job, Blaine Gabbert actually hasn't been bad, averaging 15 fantasy points a game. He's still not useful for fantasy, but he's been better than expected. ... The last time either Anquan Boldin or Torrey Smith reached double-digit fantasy points, it was Week 6. ... The 49ers' defense has been awful this season.
BEARS
Start ‘em: Against San Francisco, Jay Cutler stands a good shot at getting back on track. He's a fine starter. ... Matt Forte appears likely to take back the team's No. 1 running back job. ... Alshon Jeffery seems fully healthy, making him a clear must-start. ... This is Robbie Gould's best fantasy season in some time.
Start ‘em?: With Forte back and seemingly healthy, Jeremy Langford is more of a flex option, albeit one with good upside. ... It increasingly looks like Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller will split looks as the Chicago tight end; if you're using one, it's Bennett, but don't be surprised if Miller ends up with better production.
Sit ‘em: Even if Eddie Royal can make it back to action Sunday, he will be at less than 100 percent, and shouldn’t crack lineups. ... It’s a good matchup for the Bears’ defense, but the unit doesn’t offer much in the way of upside.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery, Robbie Gould
Start if you're desperate: Shaun Draughn, Vance McDonald, Phil Dawson, Jeremy Langford, Martellus Bennett, Zach Miller
Bench: Blaine Gabbert, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, San Francisco defense, Eddie Royal, Chicago defense
