The San Francisco 49ers travel to face the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon looking to improve to 7-1. The 49ers are coming off a dominant defensive performance against the Cleveland Browns, but a less than stellar offensive performance. Frank Gore was once again the dominant force as the passing game continued to struggle.
Michael Crabtree managed his first touchdown of the season and appears to be coming on as an Alex Smith target. On the other hand, Braylon Edwards is healthy once again, which could cost Crabtree some targets. The 49ers passing offense provides some decent enough weapons, but they serve primarily as bye week fill-ins for now.
The big question mark on offense has been Vernon Davis. He has struggled to get much of anything going as the 49ers either hold him back to block or leave him to deal with double- or triple-teams. He entered the season as a top-ten or even top-give fantasy option. Through seven games it is hard to tell what to do with him. You could argue he is due for a big game, but time is running out on his must-start status.
Must Start: RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, 49ers Defense/Special Teams, K David Akers
Bye-week Fill-in: WR Michael Crabtree, WR Braylon Edwards
Desperate Starter Need: TE Delanie Walker, RB Kendall Hunter, QB Alex Smith
Leave On Waivers: Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams