What to do with Kendrick Bourne, Richie James in Week 17 of the fantasy football playoffs

The San Francisco 49ers will be shorthanded when they close out their season on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Injuries have decimated the roster, and in Week 17 they’ll be without wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. That leaves the depth chart topped by Richie James and Kendrick Bourne.

Fantasy Football analysis: 49ers WRs Richie James, Kendrick Bourne

Samuel and Aiyuk have been significant playmakers for the 49ers when healthy, while James and Bourne are a significant step down. James is an all-or-nothing option, while Bourne offers a low ceiling, but a decent floor for a guy third on the depth chart of a team that will lean more into the ground game.

James had 9 receptions for 184 yards and a score in Week 9, but has not been able to build much on it since. He’s had three multi-catch efforts, but is coming off a catch-less Week 16 in spite of 51 offensive snaps. The only reason to roll him out is if you’re in a multi-week championship round and are trailing big time or if you are projecting well below your opponent in a single week title game. He’s going to get looks, but your guess is as good as mine if he does anything with them.

Bourne is a low upside PPR option. He had one catch last week, but had either three or four catches in each of his previous five games, and has either three or four catches in eight of his 14 appearances this season. Make of that what you will.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Sit Bourne outside of deeper PPR leagues
Sit James unless you need a huge upside home-run play