Sit/Start Week 6: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

 Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, October 18th at 8:20 PM ET

Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Betting Odds: SF -3, 49 total via Oddsshark

Network: NBC

Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback

Jared Goff (Sit)

Last week Jared Goff was one of our stronger streaming options on the site but this week he may come back down to earth. Goff has always been a player that is dependant on game script and the Rams will want to limit passing attempts and keep the offense balanced because the 49ers are struggling to score. Goff has been boom or bust so far this season, with three top 12 finishes next to two finishes outside the weekly top 24. This looks like a down game and streamers can look for other options.

Running Backs

Darrell Henderson (Sit, Flex), Cam Akers (Sit), Malcolm Brown (Sit)

The Rams backfield is a frustrating situation, especially considering how productive it has been so far. Head coach Sean McVay has repeatedly said he will split carries between Darrell Henderson, Cam Akers, and Malcolm Brown. Last week Henderson took 26 snaps, Brown 29, and Akers 13. However, Akers took 9 carries in limited snaps and led the team in rushing yards while scoring a long touchdown. Looking closer, Henderson does have a leg up on passing situations where he is seeing the majority of the targets. San Fran is excellent in defending the running back but managers in need of a flex option may be able to slot Henderson in and hope for some passing game work. Otherwise, Akers is not getting enough consistent playing time but that could change as the season wears on. Brown is at best a low-end handcuff.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Cooper Kupp (Start, WR2), Robert Woods (Start, WR2), Tyler Higbee (Start, TE2), Gerald Everett (Start, TE2)

Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods are right next to each other on the receivers leader boards as WR15 and WR16. At the moment Kupp leads the team in targets, receptions, and yards but Woods is right on his heels. BOth as solid starters each week, and return at least flex value each week. Both need to be in your lineups this week. 

The Rams’ tight end situation is more difficult to evaluate. First, the tight end has been a hard position to project this season but not unlike the last half-decade. There are a small group of studs that deserve every week status then there are players like Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, who are boom or bust options. Managers in need of a tight end streamer could start either but only expect TE2 returns.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback

Jimmy Garoppolo (Sit), C.J. Beathard (Sit)

The 49ers are heading into the toughest part of the schedule and facing mounting injuries, including to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Last week Jimmy G. started the game but was pulled after he couldn’t drive the ball with his injured ankle. Kyle Shanahan said he knew he had to throw the ball to get back in the game, and didn’t want to risk further injury. However, his comments also suggest that Garoppolo could be ready for this critical matchup against a division rival. From a football standpoint, the 49ers need this win before they face the Patriots, Seahawks, Packers, Saints, and Bills in the coming weeks. But in fantasy football Jimmy G. cannot be trusted with his health in question and against the 5th best defense against opposing quarterbacks. Sit him this week.

Running Backs

Last week Raheem Mostert returned from injury and slide back into the workhorse role. Mostert carried the ball 11 times for 90 yards and added three catches for 29 more. He also exited the game as healthy as he entered and looks to be all set for Week 6. The Rams are a neutral matchup and Mostert would be an even stronger start but the 49ers are struggling to throw the ball right now. Mostert is the RB7 in points per game and is as explosive as any back in the league when healthy. He’s a strong RB2 this week. Jerick McKinnon managers can stash him on the bench but with a healthy Mostert, he loses his value. However, this late in the season Mostert managers should be picking him up as a handcuff should he be placed on waivers. 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Deebo Samuel (Sit), Brandon Aiyuk (Start, WR3), George Kittle (Start, TE1)

Deebo Samuel returned from injury last week and tied George Kittle in targets with eight. Samuel also played in 89% of the team’s snaps but saw little production due to the quarterback situation. Still, his usage bodes well for his usage moving forward but this week he gets a tough matchup in the Rams and Jalen Ramsey. In two matchups last season, Samuel had a 3/18 and 4/31 performance but he was able to score a rushing touchdown. If Samuel makes it through this game healthy then managers can feel good moving forward, but with health concerns and Ramsey, he belongs on your bench. However, Brandon Aiyuk is a decent start but only in leagues where you are required to start more than three receivers. Expect Shanahan to find opportunities to spring Aiyuk while Deebo is shadowed. 

As usual George Kittle is an easy start. The Rams have been solid against tight ends but they did allow three touchdowns to the position in Week 3. Despite sub-par QB play, Kittle will find a way to be productive.

-Marc Salazar (@dingwog on Twitter)