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With Kaepernick benched, Vernon in Denver and Hyde on the mend there really aren't too many fantasy relevant players in San Francisco. Perhaps Blaine Gabbert will change that this week. Hey, it can happen! We'll focus mostly on Atlanta this week as we breakdown the FanDuel prices for week 9.
Blaine Gabbert $5400)
He's the cheapest starting quarterback this week by a wide margin. Hell, even RG3 is more expensive. He could do something with the short game, but I'm doubt the low price tag yields enough savings to significantly improve your chances on other positions. Kirk Cousins is just $6600 and should be in comeback mode for a good portion of the game.
Anquan Boldin: $5700 (Down $300)
Even if Boldin plays and Gabbert gets this offense moving, Marcus Trufant is having a great year in Atlanta's secondary. Digging around the under $6000 WR bin you can find much better plays like Michael Crabtree ($5800) or Steve Johnson ($5400).
Torrey Smith: $5500 (Down $200)
There wasn't much threat of a deep ball before and it may be even less now. Atlanta is no slouch against the pass and the Gabbert/Smith connection doesn't inspire much confidence. I'd rather have Rueben Randle for the same price.
San Francisco Running Backs
Ideally, I'd go with Pierre Thomas who is an excellent pass catcher, but he isn't currently available on FanDuel. I smell conspiracy. Kendall Gaskins didn't look great last week, but with this offensive line even Carlos Hyde looked bad at times. Gaskins should see the most work out of all the sub $5000 backs, but Tevin Coleman ($5000) has real potential to surprise.
San Francisco Defense $4000
They play better at home and Ryan is known to throw multiple picks in a game, but there's too much firepower on Atlanta's side to risk it this week. The Saints are $200 less in a home game against the Titans and their new coach.
Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan ($8000)
You certainly aren't worried about the matchup and Julio Jones will help his numbers immensely, but I still have trouble buying into Ryan's act this week. He's priced as QB8 with other less expensive options in the same range. I might have to roll with Eli Manning ($7800) or Tyrod Talor ($7200).
Devonta "Don't Call me Devonte" Freeman ($8900)
It has been an absolutely brutal year for fantasy running backs. Hailing from parts unknown emerges a man known as Devonta. He's been an absolute monster this season, even if he has gone 2 games without scoring. Hard to imagine that continues this week against a young 49er defense. He'll cost you a pretty penny, but the returns should be there. Need a top RB, but at a lower price? LeSean McCoy gets the Miami defense at home and will only run you $7800.
Julio Jones ($9200)
Jones is once again the most expensive WR on FanDuel. The 49ers definitely play better at home, but he should be able to generate a respectable box score. The concern is that the Falcons lean on Devonta Freeman en route to a low scoring affair. If you want to pay top dollar for a WR you may also want to check out Demaryius Thomas ($8400) or Antonio Brown ($8700).
Jacob Tamme ($5200)
Sneaky TE play this week especially if Leonard Hankerson doesn't play. The Niners are mediocre against tight ends and Tamme is coming off a 10 catch game. Other cheap TEs to consider: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (if he plays) $5200 and Martellus Bennett $5400
Atlanta Defense ($4900)
I'm pretty sure defensive coordinators hear a dinner bell when the name Blaine Gabbert is mentioned. The Falcons don't generate much pressure, but if they can build a lead and force Gabbert to throw, there should be ample opportunity for turnovers. It's hard not to go with the Falcons D this week, but I also like the Vikings ($4700) who just need to focus on stopping Gurley.
Did I miss someone? Want to go head-to-head? Leave a comment and let me know.