Week 1 vs. Los Angeles
Gabbert was officially named the starter as expected for the 49ers this week. That's the good news. The bad is that he doesn't have a lot to work with. That said, he did light the Rams up for 354 yards and a touchdown in his lone start against them in the regular season finale last season. We don't feel nearly as confident that he'll repeat that performance this time around.
2016 Fantasy Outlook
Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick are battling for the starting spot in San Francisco, but it's not really worth noting much in fantasy football. Unless Kaepernick would somehow return to form from a couple of years ago, nobody is lighting anything on fire in the passing game in this offense. Gabbert had his moments in 2015. He threw for just over 2,000 yards with 10 touchdowns in eight games, but he's not a fantasy star. Even if he wins the job, Gabbert is nothing more than a No. 3 QB to stash on your roster.
Week 17 vs. St. Louis
Gabbert continues to be mildly effective, even though it's not adding up to wins - at least on the real football field. He threw for 225 yards and a pair of scores last week and now faces a defense that has given up 15 TD passes in the past seven games. That's not a huge total and the Rams' defense is tough given its pass rush, but Gabbert should have a modicum of success, certainly more than the 162 yards and no score that Colin Kaepernick had in St. Louis earlier this season. That said, there are better starting options available.
Week 16 at Detroit
Gabbert threw for 295 yards and a touchdown last week but also had three costly interceptions. He'll continue to start, however, but faces a pretty decent Detroit secondary this week. The Lions haven't given up a 300-yard passer since Week 7 at home and have allowed six all season, two at home. Gabbert and company aren't likely to add to that total given their deficiencies.
Week 15 vs. Cincinnati
Gabbert threw for 194 yards and a score last week and added 19 yards rushing but didn't really do much against Cleveland's defense. Now, he gets a Cincinnati defense that should be playing on edge with starting QB Andy Dalton out of action. That doesn't bode well for Gabbert and company to have much of an impact this week.
Week 14 at Cleveland
Gabbert continued his career resurgence with another solid game last week, throwing for 196 yards and a score and running six times for 75 yards and another score. He has produced six touchdowns in four starts and has kept San Francisco's offense moving. That said, he's not exactly starter quality in fantasy land even against a Cleveland defense ranked 31st against QBs.
Week 13 at Chicago
Gabbert has been amazingly solid in his three starts, including throwing for 318 yards and a touchdown last week. Chicago has allowed just one passer this season to top 280 passing yards and has given up only five touchdown passes in its past five games. That doesn't sound like a recipe for success for Gabbert and company this week.
Week 12 vs. Arizona
Gabbert threw for 264 yards and a touchdown last week at Seattle, which is actually a solid game considering the opponent and venue. But Arizona is allowing 228.7 yards passing per game and limited San Francisco to 67 passing yards in their earlier meeting this season. That was with Colin Kaepernick at QB, but the rest of the cast isn't as strong now, either. Pass on Gabbert.
Week 10 at Seattle
Seriously, Gabbert could have a whole offseason to prepare to go into Seattle this week to face a ticked off Seahawks defense and not be ready. Look elsewhere.
Week 9 vs. Atlanta
Gabbert is a starter again? Seriously? Don't even bother. He's shown nothing in his previous starting stints to show he's capable of playing quarterback in the NFL. Atlanta's pass defense has been reasonably stingy as well.
