Just when you thought you could trust the San Francisco 49ers to deliver some strong fantasy performances they remind you this has been and will remain a bad season. The nightmare continues this week when the Bengals come to town. Even with Andy Dalton and Tyler Eifert likely out the Cincinnati offense still boasts some solid fantasy plays. San Francisco, not so much. Here is a quick look at the FanDuel prices for this matchup.
Blaine Gabbert $6300 (Down $100)
Gabbert may be improved, but it's going to be hard to show his progress behind this offensive line and timid play calling. The Bengals defense is legit, so I'm not expecting much from Gabbert this week. Give me Sam Bradford for the same price. He has a tough matchup as well against Arizona, but at least his bad offense plays to win and not to avoid the blowout.
Anquan Boldin: $5700 (Down $100)
He still has the skills, but needs better QB play to be a factor. Even in a game where the 49ers had to play from behind, Boldin somehow only had 3 targets. That number should go up this week, but it's difficult to see him doing much with the extra attention. However, I do like the FanDuel senior discounts on Marques Colston ($5700) and Malcom Floyd ($5600).
Torrey Smith: $5800 (Down $300)
I love me some Torrey, but he isn't going to be fantasy relevant until he is traded or this offense gets an overhaul. DeVante Parker ($5900) is a better option for punting the WR3 position.
Shaun Draughn $6100 (Down $400)
He failed to deliver in a peach of a matchup last week on the road. He should do better this week at home, but the Bengals are solid against the run and I wouldn't bend over backwards trying to fit any 49ers into my lineup. Charcandrick West ($5900) might have the backfield to himself against Baltimore and I like the super cheap Ryan Mathews ($5400) who might get the bulk of the carries against Arizona.
San Francisco Defense $4400 (Up $100)
On the bright side, they won't have to face Dalton or Eifert, but Cincinnati still has weapons if AJ McCarron can't keep the chains moving. I like this price for a defense that faces a young unproven QB at home. Also, there aren't many good options below $4500. It may be the lack of sleep, but I like the San Diego Chargers ($4300) taking on the Dolphins who seem as lost on offense as the Niners these days.
Cincinnati Bengals
AJ McCarron $6000
At this price he is sure to be a popular pick, but I'm hesitant to bite. The 49ers can be beaten with nearly any attack. I just don't see the Bengals having much need to throw the ball a ton in this contest. They could easily revert back to their 2014 model and pound the run since the 49ers just gave up 2 TDs to Isiah Crowell. Out of the $6000 QBs I'll go with T.J. Yates and hope DeAndre Hopkins boosts his production.
Jeremy Hill $6000 or Giovani Bernard $5600
Pick your poison. I prefer Hill since he should get most of the carries and the goal line work, but both backs should get at least 10-12 touches if the Bengals lean on the run to help hide AJ McCarron.
A.J. "Apple Jack" Green $8700
He didn't miss a beat when McCarron took over against the Steelers. I love the talent and the matchup here. It's hard to tell who will be McCarron's go-to guy, but early signs point to Green who won't have to worry about Eifert snaking targets. However, I prefer Julio Jones at $8600 in what could be a shootout against the Jaguars.
Marvin Jones $6100
With Eifert likely out Jones becomes an interesting play. He's been relatively consistent and always a threat to break out for a long play. You just worry whether or not he'll be needed in the second half. Somehow, Michael Floyd is also $6100 this week going against the Eagles. Please and thank you.
Cincinnati Defense ($4900)
Gabbert was sacked by the Browns nine times last week. The Browns aren't exactly known for their pass rush, but the Bengals are ranked in the top 10 this season. I'll take one ticket please.
Did I miss someone? Want to go head-to-head? Leave a comment and let me know.