The San Francisco 49ers continue a two-game road trip with a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers are coming off a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that was fairly ugly and did not inspire a lot of fantasy confidence outside of David Akers and the 49ers defense. At the same time, the fourth quarter emergence of Kendall Hunter raised some eyebrows. When Frank Gore admitted to an ankle injury earlier in the game, eyebrows went up further.
Gore has been fairly limited in practice this week and sounds like he will be a game-time decision. If Gore is unable to go, Kendall Hunter would get the start. He looked solid in limited play and the Eagles have struggled against the run this season. At the same time, it's too early to tell what to do with Hunter if you've got him, or even Gore for that matter. For now you'll just have to check in Sunday morning.
START
49ers Starting Running Back
Analysis: Facing one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, the 49ers starting running back could prove to be a solid play. The 49ers need a strong rushing attack to control the clock and keep the Eagles explosive offensive playmakers on the sidelines. Even thought the 49ers rushing game has struggled, this is a solid matchup for them.
Vernon Davis
numberFire.com Projections: 7.36 FP - 4.82 receptions, 50.73 receiving yards, 0.37 touchdowns
Analysis: Davis broke out last week with 114 receiving yards. The Eagles really have nobody who can matchup evenly with Davis which either means a big game or he'll be doubled all day long. He'll find some chances to get the ball in his hand even amidst a double-team so you have to continue to stick with him.
49ers Defense
numberFire Projections: 7.10 FP - 20.99 pts allowed, 1.76 sacks, 1.64 turnovers, 0.18 touchdowns
Analysis: While the 49ers do face an explosive Eagles offense, the 49ers seem to be turning into a fairly consistent fantasy option. Even if they give up a lot of points, there is a great chance for turnovers and sacks, particularly with a scrambling QB like Michael Vick.
David Akers
numberFire.com Projections: 6.15 FP - 1.24 FGs made, 1.95 XPs made
Analysis: He's a safe play week in and week out even if the 49ers offense is questionable. He won't put together a lot of monster games, but you can figure on seven or eight fantasy points each week without fail.
SIT
While I do think Michael Crabtree could break out this week, that Eagles secondary is mighty talented and the 49ers don't exactly boast a bevy of great wide receivers at this point. I just don't expect a ton particular if the 49ers go to more of a ball control offense to control the time of possession.
Our weekly 49ers sit/start suggestions are based on a combination of our knowledge as fans and the weekly projections of numberFire.com. Head over to numberFire.com to get a full breakdown of their weekly projections.