Last minute fantasy football start-sit advice, projections, Week 9: 49ers-Saints

The 49ers kick off at home against the Saints at 1:05 pm PT. Niners Nation is here to break down the fantasy implications of the matchup with Sit/Start advice, fantasy points projections courtesy of NFL.com, as well as last minute waiver wire targets to save your Sunday.

Quarterbacks

As a general rule, Drew Brees should be a weekly lock to start. A 49ers defense allowing the 12th most points to QB's is a great matchup. Start Brees.

Colin Kaepernick has not set the fantasy world on fire since his return to the starting lineup, but has been a decent option in deeper leagues. He’s projected to be the top scoring QB this week, but that seems unlikely. Still, Kaepernick is a borderline start against a Saints D allowing the 10th most points to QB's.

Need a QB? It not a great week on the waiver wire. Kaepernick is a decent option, available in 90% of leagues. Otherwise, Trevor Siemian faces a Raiders D allowing the 8th most points to QB’s, and is available in 87% of leagues.

Projections:
Colin Kaepernick: 237 pass yards, 1 TD, 34 rush yards, 1 TD - 22.88 points (1st among QB’s)
Drew Brees: 302 pass yards, 2 TD’s, 5 rush yards - 20.58 points (4th QB)

Running Backs

This game features two abysmal run defenses. The 49ers have allowed the most fantasy points to RB's, and the Saints the 2nd most. This will make for some very productive RB's Sunday, but choosing which guys gets a little dicey. If Carlos Hyde is active, he's a must start. Check Hyde's status before kickoff. DuJuan Harris saw the most touches in Hyde’s Week 7 absence, but Shaun Draughn’s presence in the passing game gave him the most fantasy value. It’s a coin toss between the two backup RB’s. Gut instinct: Sit Harris, start Draughn. Sit both if Hyde is active.

Tim Hightower is a strong start for the Saints. Mark Ingram has fallen out of favor in recent weeks, but should put up points. Start both.

Need a RB? Hightower is a GREAT pickup, available in 72% of leagues. Charcandrick West will be starting for the Chiefs, who churn out viable fantasy starters at RB. West is available in 64% of leagues.

Projections:
Mark Ingram: 75 rush yards, 1 TD, 19 receiving yards - 15.4 points (4th RB)
Carlos Hyde (Questionable): 70 rush yards, 1 TD, 12 receiving yards - 14.2 points (11th RB)
Tim Hightower: 57 rush yards, 1 TD, 7 receiving yards - 12.4 points (13th RB)
Mike Davis: 12 yards, 1 TD, 6 receiving - 7.8 points (23rd RB)

Wide Receivers

49ers WR's have a poor track record this season. There have been viable fantasy performances, but not consistently enough to trust anyone. The Saints are a middle of the pack matchup against WR’s, but not particularly tempting. Torrey Smith has the most value, but sit all 49ers WR’s if you have the option.

With a QB of Brees caliber, against a 49ers team allowing the 12th most points to WR’s, several Saints are worth starting. Brandon Cooks is a strong start. Start Michael Thomas and Willie Sneed too.

Need a WR? It’s hard to like the Rams passing game, but they are facing a Panthers defense allowing the most points to WR’s. Kenny Britt is available in 65% of leagues.

Projections:
Jeremy Kerley: 55 yards, 1 TD - 11.5 points (13th WR)
Michael Thomas: 67 yards - 6.7 points (43rd WR)
Brandon Cooks: 62 yards - 6.2 points (47 WR)
Willie Sneed: 61 yards - 6.1 points (50th WR)
Quinton Patton: 34 yards - 3.4 points (81st WR)
Torrey Smith: 31 yards - 3.1 points (86th WR)

Tight Ends

Neither team offers a great matchup for TE’s. Fleener ranks 10th in points among TE’s (in a very down year at the position), and is the best option, but shouldn’t be counted on for much production. Sit all TE’s in this game.

Need a TE? It’s almost unimaginable that Jason Witten is a Free Agent in 55% of leagues, but his production is way down this year. Still, he’s facing a Browns D giving up the 3rd most points to TE’s and is worth a shot this week.

Projections:
Vance McDonald: 28 yards, 1 TD - 8.8 points (7th TE)
Coby Fleener: 39 yards - 3.9 points (19th TE)

Kickers

Both teams are a Top 10 matchup in desirability for kickers. Start Will Lutz. Phil Dawson is one of the lowest scoring kickers in fantasy, and shouldn’t even be on your roster at this stage. Sit Dawson.

Need a K? The Chargers Josh Lambo is the 4th highest scoring fantasy kicker, and is available in 73% of leagues. Grab him while you can.

Projections:
Phil Dawson: 12 points (5th K)
Will Lutz: 9 points (12th K)

Defense

Bottom line, don’t trust either defense. Sit both.

Need a D? The Chargers have been a fantasy force this season, especially since Joey Bosa got on the field four weeks ago. Amazingly, the 8th highest scoring fantasy unit (and 4th over the last four weeks) is available in 80% of leagues.

Projections:
Saints DEF: 4 points (21st DEF)
49ers DEF: 1 point (26th DEF)