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Welcome back for Week 16 of the 2015 NFL season. The San Francisco 49ers wrap up their road schedule against the Detroit Lions. The 49ers do not provide much in the way of fantasy options, but this week does provide a bit of intrigue. Marcus Martin is unlikely to play due to a concussion, which means we are likely going to get a full game of Erik Pears at right guard and Trenton Brown at right tackle. I don't know how much of a difference it will make, but considering how bad Marcus Martin has been, could it really get any worse? Maybe I should not be asking that question! But a little more time for Blaine Gabbert could potentially open the door for a little more offense.
The Lions are on a roll lately. They are not winning many games, but the passing game is looking really sharp under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. The Lions promoted Cooter midway through the season, and the offense has taken a turn for the better. There are a lot of fantasy options this week if you are competing in your championship game (or a third place consolation game, as I am!).
49ers
Start 'em: Nobody
Maybe start 'em: WR Anquan Boldin, K Phil Dawson - It's slim pickings on the 49ers roster. I can see Anquan Boldin getting a decent amount of targets, so his best opportunity is in PPR leagues ... The 49ers will likely be able to move the ball to some degree against the Lions offense. I don't expect a lot of points, but I could see Phil Dawson keeping busy.
Sit 'em: Everybody else - I think tight end Blake Bell could develop into an intriguing fantasy option, but I don't think he's a guy you can justify starting quite yet. I do think next year he could emerge as a decent tight end for bye weeks and injuries, but for now, he's not quite there ... Other than that, there's not a whole lot of much. Blaine Gabbert does face a solid matchup against the Lions, but I can't justify actually starting him. Shaun Draughn would be a solid PPR option, but his knee injury is likely going to leave him inactive on Sunday.
Lions
Start 'em: QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson, WR Golden Tate, RB Ameer Abdullah, RB Theo Riddick, RB Joique Bell, K Matt Prater - The 49ers defense has been bad on the road most of the season. Aside from the Bears game, they've been decimated in so many ways. Matthew Stafford is on a role over the last month, and I don't see any reason not to start him this week ... Golden Tate has actually been more productive than Calvin Johnson over the last few weeks, but both are strong starts in Week 16. Tramaine Brock is dealing with a hamstring injury, so that could open up some opportunities ... The 49ers defense has been atrocious against the run on the road. All three Lions running backs are worth a look this week.
Maybe start 'em: TE Eric Ebron, Lions D/ST - I could see arguments for making Eric Ebron a must-start, but I think we see more from the ground-game this week ... The Lions defense struggled late against the Saints, but the 49ers offense is not exactly high octane potential. Since Blaine Gabbert took over, they have scored more than 17 points just once. Add in the chance for some sacks, and even without 49ers turnovers, this is a pretty safe play.
Sit 'em: Anybody left