After the bye, The 49ers take their Blaine Gabbert experiment to Seattle . It's not a pretty matchup for fantasy points, but there are a few quality options for those playing FanDuel this week.
Blaine Gabbert $6000 (Up $600)
It's hard to believe old Blaine isn't the cheapest QB this week. With Case Keenum and T.J. Yates coming in under $6000 you start to understand why. Despite Gabbert's solid game against Atlanta I'm not buying into his act this week. Seattle is starving for a win and has thoroughly handled the 49ers in the last few meetings. Cheap QBs I prefer over Blaine: Case Keenum ($4800) or Brock Osweiler ($6000).
Anquan Boldin $5700 (No Change)
Even if he plays he'll likely be limited and there are a ton of better alternatives in the sub $6k range like Steve Johnson against KC's secondary ($5600) or Marvin Jones ($5400).
Torrey Smith $5500 (Down $200)
Smith hasn't caught more than 3 passes since week 2 and Seattle held him without a catch in week 7. For alternatives see above or simply roll with Terrance Williams ($5300) in Tony Romo's return at Miami.
San Francisco Running Backs
The 49er backfield is still a cloudy situation unworthy of fantasy attention this week. Carlos Hyde ($6000) returned to practice, but we won't know his availability until Friday. Shaun Draughn is the likely starter and an interesting punt play at $5600. In traditional "season-long leagues" I would try to find room on my roster for Draughn. If Hyde is shut down for the year Draughn would likely have a hefty workload and a great fantasy playoff schedule. Invest now, brag later.
San Francisco Defense $4000
This is a big pile of "Nope". The Seahawks should walk all over the 49er defense. There may be a few sack opportunities, but probably not enough to warrant the yards and points they will give up. Pay the extra $100 and take the Ravens at home against the Case Keenum led Rams.
Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson ($7600)
Despite the matchup you should hesitate putting your dollars on Wilson. This could be a very run heavy game, leaving Wilson in more of a game manger roll. Also, he hasn't been the "DangerRuss" we've come to know over the last few years. Fork out the extra $100 and take Derek Carr going against the Detroit Lions in what could be a high scoring game.
Marshawn Lynch ($8100)
Out of the top 5 RBs on FanDuel I'm choosing Lynch or Devonta Freeman ($9100). Both have favorable matchups, but Lynch will run you $1000 less. He's fought off some injury concerns, but the 49ers can't contain running backs and the game script should work in his favor.
Jimmy Graham ($5800)
His disappointing fantasy season continues. San Francisco isn't especially good at guarding tight ends, but you worry about the potentially low pass volume in this game. I'll take Crockett Gilmore for $5300 and his home game against the Rams.
Seattle Defense ($5400)
As much as I would love for the 49ers to go into Seattle and shock the world I have my worries about Blaine Gabbert's encore performance. You'll be paying top dollar for Seattle's defense, but they're worth every penny. If you want to play contrarian, take a look at the NY Jets ($4700) taking on the T.J. Yates experiment in Houston.
Did I miss someone? Want to go head-to-head? Leave a comment and let me know.