Fantasy Football: Week 3 Targets on the 49ers Roster

Which 49ers players should get the fantasy football nod against the Seattle Seahawks? These are the “Startable, Ownable and Eyeable” players in Week 3 of 2016.

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A San Francisco 49ers fan reacts from the stands during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Well, not surprisingly our beloved San Francisco 49ers were outlasted by the reigning NFC champion Carolina Panthers this past Sunday.

It was a respectable showing for the red and gold, posting another 25-plus point performance. That’s downright encouraging.

Less encouraging was the total points surrendered. Forty-six, to be exact. The Niners defense, forced to play over 35 minutes in Saharan-like conditions, could not keep pace with Cam Newton and Co.

However, if not for a few circus catches by WR Kelvin Benjamin and what I believe to be a very questionable fumble attributed to RB Carlos Hyde, that directly resulted in six points, this game had the makings of a potential upset.

Speaking of upsets, a quick update on my fantasy squad:

Yes, I know. Quite a dropoff from Week 1. Peterson and Lacy: The Dud Squad.

I made one move on the wire last week, acquiring WR Mohamed Sanu. I’ll now be promptly dropping him to pursue one of two strategies:

Handcuff Peterson:

My most obvious move is to try and snatch one of the dynamic duo poised to replace RB Adrian Peterson for the next few weeks. Either RB Jerrik McKinnon or RB Matt Asiata.

Peterson suffered a meniscus tear during Sunday night’s game, and although Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer says that he hasn’t yet been ruled out for next weeks’ game, let’s get real. He’s on the shelf for a month. Minimum.

Sans Peterson, I still have enough of a ground game with Eddie Lacy (ughhh), Frank Gore (hmmm) and Jeremy Hill (ehhh) to ham and egg it. However, sticking with the breakfast analogy, that’s no Grand Slam (at Denny’s that is, not the ball yard).

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) looks to throw a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Grab QB Matt Ryan:

That’s right. The “icy one” is still available on my league’s waiver wire, and I’m thinking I could use a little trade bait.

In this case, it’s more like backfill for trade bait. If I claim Ryan, I can then dangle QB Andrew Luck out on the market and see what I might be able to garner in terms of a high-end running back or receiver upgrade.

It’s a gamble. Ryan’s bound to fade in about four more games. And rolling with a Stafford-Ryan combo is not nearly as heartening as a Stafford-Luck pairing.

However, the way my first two draft picks have been performing (Peterson and Lacy), it may be time for a Week 2 panic attack.

Game Break (duh, duh-duh, duh):

RB Ryan Matthews has just sauntered into the end zone for his second of two scores on the evening. I’m now 1-1. Paaanic!

Turning to the purpose of this piece, let’s indulge in our weekly installment of Startable, Ownable and Eyeable.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Startable

TE Vance McDonald:

First off, let it be known, and I’m sure it comes as no surprise to dutiful Niner fans, that I don’t trust anybody this week against Seattle.

Since 2011, Seattle has walloped the 49ers at home by a margin of 157 to 72, claiming victory in five of the six meetings there to date (including the 2013 NFC Championship game… or as it’s known in local circles as “The Kaeper-Night-Night Game”).

However, if any facet of the offense is likely to produce in Seattle next week, it’s the short-to-intermediate passing routes. Torrey Smith will be blanketed. Carlos Hyde will be smothered. It’s going to be so cozy at The Clink, you should watch this game in your Snuggie.

The only patterns with any hope of being open are drag routes and single-move timing plays. And that favors our boy, Vance McDonald.

McDonald had a picturesque 75-yard score against Carolina in Week 2, making him the No. 5-ranked tight end on the week. So far this season, McDonald boasts 89 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad for a guy who, prior to this season, has only mustered 475 yards and three scores over his four-year career.

McDonald remains a big, bad target in the middle of the field for a quarterback in Blaine Gabbert, who will need a security blanket this weekend more than a five-year-old boy cowering under the covers during his first thunderstorm.

Even though McDonald dropped a drive-sustaining 30-yard catch in the fourth quarter against Carolina, Gabbert still trusts him. If the Niners even sniff the end zone in Seattle, I suspect “V McD” will be high atop the target list.

Other Startable tight ends (percentage owned) this week include:

TE Delanie Walker (99 percent):

OK. Forget for a moment that Walker is an elite talent. Heading into Week 3, the Raiders defense has already yielded over 69 points and more than 1,000 yards of total offense. In two freakin’ games!

Walker was going to be Startable regardless. Now, he’s ultra-Startable.

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme (83) catches a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

TE Jacob Tamme (11 percent):

Speaking of humiliating the Raiders, Jacob Tamme got in on the action in Week 2 with five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. That gives him 11 receptions for 126 yards this season.

Up next, another road tilt versus the evanescent New Orleans Saints defense. Look for scores to appear out of thin air. Tamme might just nab one.

TE Antonio Gates (92 percent):

Gates now sits seven touchdowns away from breaking the all-time tight end scoring record. Only retired TE Tony Gonzales, with 111 TDs lifetime, has more trips to the painted area.

San Diego Chargers QB Phillip Rivers has all but promised Gates that he will get him that record. Look for Gates to score against an Indianapolis Colts defense that is best described as papier-mâché.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) holds off Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Cam Thomas (92) during the first quarter at Lev’i’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Ownable

RB Carlos Hyde:

Carlos Hyde did not live up to expectations this past week against Carolina. Or perhaps he did, depending upon who you ask.

He started the game strong, but then lost a very suspect fumble that cost the team an early score. Eerily reminiscent of his preseason flub against Houston, Hyde needs to focus on ball control. Especially deep in his own territory.

Later in the game, after Carolina WR Ted Ginn botched a kickoff return so badly that Pop Warner players everywhere were snickering, it looked like a surefire opportunity for Hyde to punch one in and redeem his otherwise lackluster day.

Unfortunately, QB Blaine Gabbert had a different idea, opting to keep his only ball of the day out of the read option, thereby denying ‘Los the opportunity for an easy six.

With the 49ers ever-dismal play in Seattle, next week’s game is liable to be a slog for Hyde. Although Gabbert looks mildly more pocket aware than his counterpart QB Colin Kaepernick has been over the past few seasons, don’t expect any offensive miracles.

Eight men will be in the box, and that translates into tough sledding for Hyde. I’m benching him this week, to be reactivated in Week 4 versus the Cowboys.

Other running backs that are Ownable right now:

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell carries the ball en route to a touchdown in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

RB Isaiah Crowell, CLE (72 percent):

Crowell produces. There’s nothing flashy. Nothing particularly eye-popping. But his numbers since Week 13 of last year cannot be denied.

Over that span, he’s notched 566 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. Extrapolate that production over an entire season, and Crowell is a near 1,300 yard rusher with 13 scores.

That is, of course, an example of why it’s unwise to operate in hypotheticals.

Regardless, Crowell’s numbers are for real. He should be 100-percent owned.

RB Christine Michael, SEA (59 percent):

Right now the offense in Seattle is a mess, and the backfield is no exception. Between Michael, and incumbent starter RB Thomas Rawls, it’s unclear who will be the primary tote machine for the Seahawks in 2016.

Rawls. Michael. Michael. Rawls. One thing is for certain… the situation is anything but. Until it’s resolved, Christine Michael should be owned in virtually all leagues.

Someone is likely to emerge as the guy in the Seahawks backfield. Despite the funny name, it could be Michael.

Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) smiles during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

RB Chris Johnson, ARI (13 percent):

Borderline Eyeable, there may be room on some rosters for a guy like Chris Johnson. This past week the “lesser Johnson” had 16 carries for 54 yards and a score.

It will be hard to start CJ2K in any particular matchup, at least until it becomes clear how many touches he can expect on a week-in, week-out basis.

However, with running back being a perennially injury-plagued position, Johnson might just warrant a trip to your bench.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Ownable Cont.

WR Torrey Smith:

As Torrey Smith showed in Carolina, it only takes one play to make him a worthy WR2 or Flex start. That said, James Bradberry is no Richard Sherman.

Until QB Blaine Gabbert can manage some semblance of a double move, I’m benching Smith against top-tier corners. He just simply doesn’t compete for the ball well enough to inspire confidence.

Other receivers that are Ownable right now:

Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) catches a pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

WR Travis Benjamin, SD (77 percent):

With Keenan Allen out, Travis Benjamin exploded on the scene with a 23-point fantasy performance. Expect his ownership to skyrocket to 100 percent by 3:00 a.m. ET Wednesday morning.

If you have a receiving need and Benjamin has not yet been tapped in your league, give him a tappy-tap-taparoo.

WR Mike Wallace, BAL (68 percent):

I wrote about Wallace last week, and he came up big once again.

The Baltimore Ravens receiver reigned in four grabs for 41 yards and added two touchdowns to the mix as well.

This will be the last time that I write about Wallace, as he will undoubtedly get snapped up in all leagues. Be a snapper.

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) makes a reception for a first down against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Shareece Wright (24) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

WR Corey Coleman, CLE (63 percent):

First-round draft pick Corey Coleman put on a display Sunday with journeyman QB Josh McCown at the helm.

His 104 receiving yards and two scores were good for 22 points, or a position rank of No. 4 among Week 2 wide receivers.

Until WR Josh Gordon returns from suspension, Coleman is the top dog in the Browns receiving corp.

WR Tyrell Williams, SD (47 percent):

WR Travis Benjamin can’t get all the balls in San Diego.

Granted, Williams may be another player that falls in the near-Eyeable category. The likelihood of him putting up over ten points each week is certainly debatable.

However, despite the apparent awakening of RB Melvin Gordon, the Chargers have historically been a very mediocre running team. Since RB LaDainian Tomlinson packed it in, the Bolts have relied almost exclusively on the arm of Rivers for offense.

As the season wears on, that trend could resurface, making Williams a viable consideration.

WR Anquan Boldin, DET (16 percent):

Had to give “Q” his props, if for no other reason than for all of his outstanding past production as a 49ers receiver.

Last week, Anquan Boldin had four targets for 48 yards and a TD. Very workmanlike numbers from the aging receiver. However, if he further develops chemistry with Stafford, he could be a tight end surrogate in the Motor City.

August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks the football out of the hold by punter Bradley Pinion (5) during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

K Phil Dawson:

As predicted, stalled drives (even turnover-induced ones that began in the opponent’s red zone… yuck) led to more Phil Dawson points in Carolina. He finished Week 2 as the No. 14 ranked kicker, posting 9 fantasy points.

As dire a prediction as it is, I suspect Dawson will be the leading scorer for the Niners in Seattle next week.

Other kickers that are Ownable right now:

Really?! I can’t even.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) tries to pass the ball while under pressure by Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Eyeable

QB Blaine Gabbert:

Blaine Gabbert is still trying to find his sea legs in Chip Kelly’s offense. Tentative at times, careless at others, his Jekyll and Hyde routine make him too risky to be taking up space on your bench anytime soon.

However, he did post 20 fantasy points this past week and flashed on a few nice throws to McDonald and Smith. Granted, if he doesn’t poach a score from Hyde on the ground, his numbers are far more humdrum.

As midseason approaches, along with its attendant spate of injuries and bye weeks, Gabbert might be a quarterback worth a spot start.

WR Jeremy Kerley:

Kerley had several nice catches again for the 49ers on Sunday, hauling in three grabs for a total of 29 yards.

Yes, before you trip over you dog trying get to your laptop, I realize these numbers are nowhere near Ownable. Just remember where we are… we’re in the land of the Eyeables. Nothing to get too excited about. Just players worth watching.

Numbers aside, Kerley is definitely the second most fantasy-relevant wide receiver on the team behind Torrey Smith. With a “Check Down Charlie” in Gabbert and a Seattle defense out for blood, Kerley is likely to benefit from the same phenomenon as Vance McDonald… the short to intermediate “duck and chuck”.

Owners, especially in PPR formats, should take notice.