Start ‘Em
Marcus Mariota
The kid is hot. What else can you say? Since week 4, Mariota has gone for 30+ points 4 times and eclipsed 20 in the other 2 weeks. He now finds himself in a must-win game against a division opponent who happens to allow the 5th most points to opposing QBs. He has quietly turned himself into one of the best red zone QBs in the league and his ability to run makes him an even better fantasy option.
LeGarrette Blount
Since stopping Gurley in week 1, the 49ers rush defense has looked abysmal. At least one opposing RB has totaled at least 100 scrimmage yards in every game since week 1 and allowed both Hightower and Ingram to go over those numbers in week 9. Even if James White is involved, expect at least 1 TD from Blount this week.
Donte Moncrief
Moncrief has scored a touchdown in both games since coming back from injury and seems to be running at 100%. What is more encouraging is that he has seen 15 targets in those 2 games as well and is as much of a legitimate target as anyone in the passing offense. In a game I expect to be a shootout, there will be plenty of passing attempts for Moncrief to see around 10 targets.
Sit ‘Em
Derek Carr
There’s no denying the talent of the young Raiders QB, however from a fantasy standpoint, he has been underwhelming against good defenses, as he has been held to under 15 points against Denver, Kansas City, Tennessee, and Jacksonville. Carr goes up against the Texans this week, and they have given up the 2nd fewest points to opposing QBs. I expect the Raiders to win this game but Carr to be held in check.
Carlos Hyde
Colin Kaepernick has actually been much better than people give him credit for since winning the starting job. He has been able to extend drives with his legs and his arm giving the offensive coordinators more confidence in him. This hurts Hyde’s value as he is coming off injury, and the 49ers definitely don’t want to give the only bright spot in their offensive future a heavy workload and potentially aggravate that injury further.
Jordan Matthews
Matthews has been pretty consistent this year, but the three games he scored 20+ points were against the 23rd, 31st, and 32nd ranked passing defenses. In contrast, against Minnesota and Pittsburgh, who both rank in the top 10, he was held under 20 yards in each contest. Seattle ranks 7th against opposing receivers this year, and the ‘Legion of Boom’ always seems to play even better at home. With no other real threats in Philadelphia’s passing offense, expect Matthews to be held in check.