Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Raiders: Who to start or sit for fantasy football

By Akshaj Dwivedula

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 30: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 30: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Wide Receivers

Finally, a place of real intrigue. Who will the 49ers play at wide receiver? Do the Raiders even have a wide receiver whose name I know? All this and more will be answered right below.

The 49ers

So, as we at this site and practically every single person who watches football knows that the 49ers have struggled at the wide receiver position. I honestly believe that Jerry Rice could outperform this position group if he came out of retirement. The team is an absolute mess.

Yet, this might be the definition of a pick-me-up game for the Niner receivers. For starters, the Raiders are not very good at stopping the pass, allowing the 12th most points to wide receivers. Adding insult to injury is news that the Raiders starting corners, Gareon Conley and Daryl Worley, are questionable for the game. This leads to all sort of potential for a great scoring night, even if there happen to be issues with the man behind center.

Now, there are only two receivers worth looking at here: Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon. Garcon has no touchdowns and only 221 yards on the season, per Pro Football Reference, averaging only 5.5 PPG. Goodwin on the other hand not only brings much more upside, but it is more likely that these young QBs force-feed Goodwin when the pressure gets to them. Goodwin, I think, will have a big game, while Garcon is still in the air.

Verdict: Start Marquise Goodwin at flex

The Raiders

After trading Amari Cooper, the Raiders receiving corps are very depleted. Jordy Nelson is the only name here worth mentioning. Yet, I’ve already said that Derek Carr would have a productive night, so someone should be gaining the points.

I would agree with you, except that I think the Raiders will be feeding tight ends and running backs. This is not a compliment to the 49ers for forcing the Raiders to adjust, but rather just how the Raiders offense flows. I would not be surprised if Jared Cook, who we’ll get to next slide, has a great game. I would strongly encourage all of you to stay away from the Raider receivers.

Verdict: Sit all of them.