The fantasy football week and the NFL schedule for week 4 starts up on Thursday night with the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams playing in Missouri and the game has some fantasy players to watch, as Daryl Richardson and Vernon Davis are dealing with injuries and are ones to decide to start or sit for the game.
Richardson is listed as probable for the game on Thursday and while he dealt with a foot issue last week and did not play after leaving with just one carry against Dallas, he said he is ready to go tonight. Richardson is a tough runner and tough guy and while he has just 98 yards this season, he could surprise with a good game on Thursday night. The 49ers are currently ranked 29th in the league in rushing yards and that could bode well for Richardson on Thursday.
Richardson is a risky play since the 49ers defense is better than that ranking and after gaining just 35 yards and 63 yards over his first two games, that doesn't seem like a breakout streak. Richardson is valuable in PPR leagues after making 10 catches over the first two games he has played this season and if he can get out into space, he could get some yardage in their game. The 49ers need a win after two straight disappointing losses and now they are playing the Rams, a team that beat them once and tied them another time last season.
For Richardson owners, if they are feeling like he is not going to be a solid option to start, a good handcuff is Isaiah Pead, who rushed for 20 yards last game with Richardson on the sidelines. He also added seven catches for 43 yards and that skill will keep him on the field for the 49ers. He hasn't done much other than that game, but against the 49ers if Richardson gets hurt again, he could get some touches.
Vernon Davis missed out on the 49ers loss against the Colts and on Thursday he is questionable for the game and that could mean he is out for Week 4. Davis can be one of the most dominating tight ends in the NFL when healthy, but so far this season he has not been that. He made six catches for nearly 100 yards and added two touchdowns in the opening win against the Packers, but after making three catches for 20 yards in the loss to the Seahawks, he was injured and now he could miss out again.
Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek are the options to pick up for Davis owners and the choice to start or sit him should be a benching, as he could miss the game. Davis could play, but he likely won't be as effective and if your fantasy team needs a win, hit the waiver wire instead for a tight end option.
