National Football League

Fantasy Football: Week 10 Targets on the 49ers Roster

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

Players on the 49ers, and around the rest of the league, who are fantasy worthy in Week 10 of the 2016 NFL season. The “Startable, Ownable and Eyeable.”

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fans hold signs referencing general manager Trent Baalke and CEO Jed York before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

OK. I’m through… for this week anyhow. The Niners stink out loud, and that ain’t changin’.

Yes, I could go on and on about the abysmal play, the banal coaching, the pathetic ownership. But what for? There’s no need to repeat the obvious and there’s no amount of perspicacious whining that will make things any better.

The Niners stink out loud, and that ain’t changin’… and yes, I realize I just repeated the obvious. It was for effect, in this particular instance.

Besides, it’s probably time for an update on my fantasy squad anyhow. It’s been weeks since I’ve touched on it, and between the Niners’ pathetic record and this week’s dour election results, I think many of us, at least those on the “Left Coast”anyways, could use a retreat into the world of pure fantasy.

First, let’s do a bit of a retrospective. Here’s what my squad look like Week 1 (you know, the one that I was so confident was destine for world domination), as well as where each player ranks on a position basis entering Week 10:

For ease of viewing, I’ve added a color-coded “Fab, Fair or Fade” comment next to each player indicating whether or not they have lived up to their Draft Day position, and in many cases, attendant hype.

As is almost always the case with a mid-year fantasy squad, it’s a mixed bag of nuts.

Notice that some of the positions that I emphasized in my 10 League-Winning Strategies for 2016 Draft Day piece, namely quarterback and tight end, have panned out well. Especially, with Antonio Gates finally rounding into form.

Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

However, my strategy of taking a kicker and a defense early, i.e. before the last two rounds, did not pay off in the slightest.

Nor did my early running back decisions, with both of my top two picks in the draft, RBs Adrian Peterson and Eddie Lacy, calling it quits before the mid-season mark.

Of course, that was then. So, what does my team look like today? Why… I thought you’d never ask.

Just like every year, injuries, bye weeks and poor Draft Day choices (yeah, time to self-flagellate a bit here), have forced my team to turn over by about fifty-percent.

And truth be told, I’ve probably held onto several players way past their expiration date (That’s right. I’m talking to you Maclin… No smirking, Haushcka. You’re on my black list too.)

As it sits, my team boasts a 4-5 record, putting me squarely (and by squarely, I mean last) in five-way tie for fourth place. Yes, that is actually as ridiculous as it sounds.

But, although the proverbial fat lady may be gargling as she prepares to run through a few warmup scales, she’s yet to break out in full song. So, this motley squad still has a chance. A slim chance, but a chance nonetheless.

Several additional thoughts:

So that’s my fantasy squad. If you’ve been wondering why you haven’t heard anything about it for weeks, instead being assailed by a relentless barrage of Niner bashing, the rationale is now evident. I’ve opened the proverbial kimono… and the package is wanting.

Speaking of wanting packages, let take a quick peek at this week’s Startable, Ownable and Eyeable.

I say quick both because “the Niners stink out loud… and that ain’t changin’,” and with the Red and Gold on the road this week against a formidable Arizona Cardinals defense, the team’s prospects for offensive output look more bleak than usual (and that’s saying something).

November 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Startable

RB DuJuan Harris

At this point in the season, the only truly Startable position on the 49ers is running back. And even there, we’ve got a problem.

This week, RB Carlos Hyde is slated to return from a shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined for two weeks (plus the bye). In his stead, RB DuJuan Harris has run well, cementing his position as the Niners primary back up.

Heading into Week 10, if I own Hyde, I’m likely starting him. However, I like DuJuan Harris again this week for several reasons:

To have even a scintilla of offensive success against Arizona, the 49ers will have to pound the ball on the ground. Not because Arizona can’t play the run. More because the Niners offense can’t pass.

Week 10 marks the first time back to Arizona for QB Colin Kaepernick since the bloodletting that occurred in Week 3 of last season. During that game, Kap threw four (count’em four) intereceptions, two of which were taken back to the house. He’ll be timid this week, especially if an early turnover occurs, relegating the Niners to a ground-first attack.

Arizona is physical, and Hyde is fragile. Mix those two near “F’s” together, and we could see Harris resuming primary running back duties at some point during this contest.

Other RBs that comprise the Startable this week include:

RB David Johnson (ARI)

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs with the football during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Are you kidding me? Life doesn’t get any easier than setting your fantasy football lineup when one of your running backs is facing the San Francisco 49ers. Throw in the fact that Arizona’s David Johnson is having a career year, with 157.2 fantasy points, and this has the makings of a track meet. You know, one where David Johnson plays the role of Usain Bolt. There will be no surprises here. No unexpected let downs. Johnson will be the eighth straight running back to go over 100 yards against the Niners. And he’ll probably score several times too.

RB Devontae Booker (DEN)

Despite laying a major egg last week in Oakland, Booker remains the primary back on a “run first” offense. Look for him to rebound this week when squaring off against a Saints Defense that is yielding 4.4 yards per carry to ball carriers this season. Booker has shown his workhorse capabilities, racking up over 27 fantasy points in Weeks 7 and 8. Look for Booker to erase last week’s hiccup and march his way right into the Saints end zone this Sunday.

RB Darren Sproles (PHI)

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants nose tackle Robert Thomas (99) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Doug Pederson has committed to Darren Sproles, naming him the unofficial primary running back in Philadelphia. And so far, he’s responded decently with performances of 10.3 and 7.1 fantasy points over the past two weeks. Admittedly, Sproles is no bell cow back. And fellow running mate Ryan Matthews is likely to vulture a goal line score at any time. But, if you’re looking for reinforcements at the running back position, you could do worse than Sproles, especially in leagues where you get his return yards.

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) carries the ball past New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Nate Stupar (54) and free safety Vonn Bell (48) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Ownable

TE Vance McDonald

Week 9 was light on offensive positives, but one of them was the resurgence of TE Vance McDonald.

Coming off of a multi-week injury, McDonald took the field against the Saints to the tune of three catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. As has been the case all year, the bulk of McDonald’s production was tied to a single play.

However, the fact remains that “V McD” is a matchup nightmare. The Cardinals will be playing without their starting safety, Tyrann Mathieu this week, who’s been shelved for several weeks with a shoulder subluxation (sounds fancy).

So, I don’t expect much from either the Niners offense or their wideouts. However, the one bright spot in the 49ers passing game right now is Vance McDonald, making him somewhat (albeit nowhere near overwhelmingly) Ownable.

Other Tight Ends among the Ownable (and Startable) this week include:

TE Jimmy Graham (SEA)

Many folks are high on New England Tight End Rob Gronkowski this week, and for good reason. The Seattle Seahawks secondary is somewhat hobbled and Gronkowski is a singular talent. But, the guy on the other side of the ball, TE Jimmy Graham, isn’t too shabby himself. Coming off his best game of the season last week versus Buffalo, where he snatched eight balls that were good for 103 yards and two touchdowns (or 22.3 fantasy points). In a battle of stars, Graham will shine brightly this Sunday night versus the presumptive Super Bowl favorite New England Patriots.

TE Antonio Gates (SD)

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a first quarter pass against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Gates is back. It took nearly half a season, but the senior statesman at the tight end position in the NFL has reclaimed his seat. Since Gates has returned to the gridiron full time, rookie phenom TE Hunter Henry has all but vanished, garnering a mere three fantasy points over the past two weeks. No, Gates is the primary tight end in San Diego moving forward and he’s also the preferred red zone target for QB Phillip Rivers. If you’re searching for tight end talent this weekend, look no further than Gates.

TE Lance Kendricks (LA)

Kendricks, the LA Rams top tight end, is quietly having a solid fantasy year at a very thin position. Averaging just under eight points a game over the past three weeks, Kendricks makes for a good TE2 stash, and even a reasonable spot start this week against the fading NY Jets defense. At just twenty-one percent ownership across all ESPN leagues, consider Kendricks a potential diamond at a very rough position.

November 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) jumps over New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Eyeable

Given the state of affairs both on and off the field with the 49ers, you tell me. Seriously, is there even one sleeper talent on the 53-man roster right now? WR Aaron Burbridge? Help me out… Seriously, I’m straining here.

Perhaps, based on last week’s performance, one could make the case for WR Quinton Patton. Patton posted a career stat line, with six catches for 106 yards.

But, naming Patton here is as much a referendum on the 49ers lack of talent as it is an endorsement of his.

Sorry, Q. I’m sure Niner fans would love for nothing more than last week’s performance to be the watershed moment in your otherwise extremely quite NFL career. However, I’m skeptical.

Patton is Eyeable, but barely. And in naming him, that exhaust the entire passel of possibilities on the 49ers game day roster.

It’s sad. It’s frustrating. In fact, it’s really nothing short of infuriating.