Fantasy football: 49ers start ’em, sit ’em players vs. Chiefs in Week 7
By Peter Panacy
3-3. 42. 4-2. Fox. Sunday, Oct. 23. 124. Chiefs -3. 4:25 p.m. ET
Fantasy football owners need to exercise caution when looking at the 49ers’ high-profile Week 7 matchup against the high-powered Chiefs.
The San Francisco 49ers have been something of a fantasy football anomaly this season, particularly when looking at offensive skill positions in owners’ lineups.
Sure, those who own the Niners defense/special teams have to be feeling pretty good even in light of San Francisco’s embarrassing 28-14 loss in Week 6 to the Atlanta Falcons. But, aside from that blemish, fantasy owners shouldn’t be jumping to any drastic conclusion about dropping the 49ers defense from a roster.
However, the Niners’ Week 7 home contest against the 4-2 Kansas City Chiefs might force a few to consider benching San Francisco’s D/ST if there are other more favorable options out there.
Starting off with the 49ers’ D/ST unit with Week 7, let’s look at who should start and who should sit for the Niners in fantasy football this week.
Fantasy football sit ’em: 49ers D/ST
Only the Buffalo Bills have a better D/ST unit, in terms of fantasy, than San Francisco. And the 49ers currently trail the Bills by only one point (70 to 69) in ESPN standard PPR scoring.
However, one might be a little cautious about starting the Niners’ D/ST for Week 7, as this group is not only going up against quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the NFL’s No. 1-ranked scoring offense, but it’s also likely going to be awfully shorthanded with defensive tackles Arik Armstead (foot) and Javon Kinlaw (knee) both out, and EDGE Nick Bosa working his way back from a groin injury.
Sure, that Buffalo defense managed to hold Mahomes and Co. to just 20 points in its Week 6 win at Arrowhead Stadium.
However, assuming Kansas City is feeling pretty salty about that loss, banking on the Chiefs to take out their frustrations on the road against San Francisco seems pretty likely.
For owners who have a reserve D/ST unit on the bench facing a less-potent offense, that might be the smarter play.