Fantasy Week 9: for good and bad, Bay Area takes center stage

The NFL’s trade deadline has come and gone, and only one move was made. The Denver Broncos acquisition of former San Francisco 49ers all-star tight end Vernon Davis will have an impact on fantasy football in due time.

This week, however, the newest member of the “Mile High Mustangs” will not reap the benefits of the move.

Quarterback back Peyton Manning, though, is just 284 yards from becoming the NFL’s all-time leading passer. He is also playing at Lucas Oil Field, where he spent the first 14 years of his illustrious career.

You can be sure he will be aiming for that mark in front of the fans that rooted so whole-heartedly for him for so long. At a salary of $7,700, the former MVP is hardly an inside pick. But he will offer return of much higher value this week.

Appearing to be back to full health and facing an Oakland Raiders secondary that has been exposed, Pittsburgh Steelers signal caller Ben Roethlisberger should be among the most productive fantasy players this week.

The Washington football team has been among the worst in the league against the run.

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount has gotten his share of opportunities (when not facing the New York Jets stout run D at least) this season.

Likely to get 20 carries this week, Blount’s salary of $6,400 is well worth the more than 15 fantasy points he will post.

Like Washington, the 49ers have struggled to stop the run. Daily fantasy players should find a way to get Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman into their lineup.

With Roethlisberger exploding on one side of the field, the Raiders’ passing attack will be forced into much-needed production.

And while Amari Cooper is among the top salaried wide receivers (deservedly so) quarterback Derek Carr has been able to find veteran Michael Crabtree for an average of 12.33 fantasy points per game, less than only St. Louis Rams’ Tavon Austin for receivers with a cost of less than $6,000.

Crabtree is definitely worth consideration.

If Manning is to throw for 300 yards, he’ll need a go-to target, which makes wide out Demaryius Thomas a nearly obvious play. Expect 10 or more receptions, 120 or more yards and at least one score.

In the past three weeks, New Orleans Saints tight end Ben Watson has done an admirable job of filling the shoes left vacated by Jimmy Graham. At a manageable salary of $5,700, Watson is worth a look despite facing a stingy Tennessee Titans pass defense.

Its going to be hard to outshine the production of Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert on Thursday Night Football, but Patriot Rob Gronkowski will have the targets to do so.

For some reason, Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould remains among the lowest positional salaries, despite being one of the game’s most accurate kickers who also gets his fair share of chances.

As long as Gould maintains his strangely low salary, he will be the best play.

The Falcons’ defense has seen its struggle this season. This week, however, they will face a 49ers team without factor back Carlos Hyde, deep threat tight end Davis and the dangerous legs of Colin Kaepernick.

It is totally possible that the Falcons D ends up with more takeaways than points allowed.