Predicted Score: Bengals 31, 49ers 17

Cincinnati: I'm not ready to give up on Carson Palmer, although he did cost me a trip to the semifinals and a shot at fantasy playoff glory last week with his 189-yard, 2-INT, no-score effort, albeit in a driving rain. The Bengals should be able to move the ball against the 49ers, who've given up the 8th most fantasy points this season to offensive players as a whole, which mostly means big days for Carson and his receivers. Why bother running the ball when you're looking to get a passing game going and you're already out of the playoffs?

• Start: QB Carson Palmer, WR Chad Johnson, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
• Consider: WR Chris Henry, RB Rudi Johnson, K Shayne Graham, Bengals D/ST
• Sit: RB Kenny Watson, TE Reggie Kelly

San Francisco: While the Bengals were successful keeping the Rams offense out of the end zone last week, Steven Jackson did manage a decent fantasy day. I'd expect a similar, if not better performance out of Frank Gore, who should be able to get past the Bengals front seven. First-time starter Shaun Hill could be the sleeper of the week, given the Bengals tendency to allow big days to just about any bum off the street. Hill has played only two snaps - the final two plays of the 2005 season - so he's a complete wild card. But he's big, strong and athletic and can make some plays, so expect the 49ers to pound Gore early and look for opportunities to stretch the field once Hill has his feet under him in the second half.

• Start: RB Frank Gore
• Consider: TE Vernon Davis, WR Arnaz Battle, QB Shaun Hill
• Sit: WR Darrell Jackson, 49ers D/ST