Start/Sit Thursday Night Football: Rams vs 49ers
The Rams and the 49ers face off on Thursday Night Football this week. For fantasy players who take part in daily fantasy sports and are looking to enter a lineup, you are in the right place. Also, if you’re trying to decide who to play this week in your standard fantasy leagues, look here as well.
Start
Carlos Hyde, 49ers running back
Hyde has been exceptional this season, trailing only Kareem Hunt in yards per carry with 7.0. The Rams defensive front has struggled mightily against the run in the early-going, primarily in week two. Against the Washington Redskins the Rams allowed over 200 yards on the ground. These statistics, combined with San Francisco’s lack of a passing attack makes Hyde a definite starter on Thursday night. In fact, the only thing that will stop Hyde from potentially being the leading fantasy player of the night is if he is able to find his way to the end zone.
Cooper Kupp, Rams wide receiver
Rams rookie Cooper Kupp had a down week last week after a strong week one. He totaled just over 30 yards against the Redskins, but the Rams receiving group in general just could not get going. Nonetheless Kupp is a player who has established a strong rapport with his quarterback and gets very important targets on third down and in the red zone. These situations, along with the volume of Kupp’s targets, make him a starting candidate in PPR leagues. Daily fantasy owners should take a long look at him, as he is one of the best deals available.
Rams D/ST
The Rams defense is coming off a poor performance against Washington, allowing over 200 yards rushing alone. However, with an experienced coordinator like Wade Phillips expect the Rams to bounce back well. Also, the 49ers have not scored a touchdown in their first two weeks of action. Brian Hoyer and Pierre Garcon are pretty much it in terms of a passing attack for the Niners, and the talented Rams secondary should have that duo under control with little concern.
Sit
Pierre Garcon, 49ers wide receiver
Garcon is the only 49ers receiver listed as “sit” because he is likely the only one that is on a fantasy team. The Niners passing attack is weak, especially against a strong Rams secondary and pass rush. While the defense struggled as a unit, the Rams held Kirk Cousins in check last week and dominated Scott Tolzien in week one. They will likely be able to handle Brian Hoyer, thus making a good argument against starting Garcon on Thursday.
Gerald Everett, Rams tight end
The Rams rookie tight end but up a strong performance last week, catching three passes for 95 yards. However, on his final catch of the game Everett took a hard hit and is questionable with a thigh injury. Only because of his injury status I am not riding high on Everett this week, even if he does play. Tyler Higbee will likely get his targets, but he has not proven to be nearly as effective.
49ers D/ST
The Niners defense has looked good up to this point. However, they come in to this game thinned due to injury. They are missing starters Eric Reid and Reuben Foster, both of whom play key roles. Reid’s absence at the back end of the secondary will leave the defense prone to big plays for Rams such as Sammy Watkins, who is yet to come onto the scene this season. While this game may be a low-scoring contest all around, the injury situation for the 49ers defense makes them a “sit” in my book this week.
– Andrew Kelly is the Managing Editor for cover32.com/Rams and covers the Los Angeles Rams. He also writes national content for cover32. Like and follow on Follow @Andrew_K47 Follow @cover32_LAR
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