Frank Gore had a great season for fantasy owners last year, posting his best totals since '06 and he even missed 2 games. I think the presence of Glen Coffee behind Gore is actually beneficial because it will give the Miami product some rest when needed. Gore is much too talented to keep off the field and expect the 49ers to use him a lot this year. Without a proven QB the 49ers will need to run the ball to set up the pass and the presence of Michael Crabtree will keep defenses a little more honest than in the past. Gore will most likely go in the area of pick 5 and he is deserving of the high pick. I expect another very good year out of Frank Gore, and even at 27 he has some very good value in keeper/dynasty leagues.
-Projection: 1,400-1,500 yards rushing, 10-12 TDs; 45 receptions, 400 yards receiving, 2 TDs
Michael Crabtree sat out the first 5 games last season which made his stats look weaker than they actually were. He caught less than 4 balls only twice in 11 games last season, and with a full camp and preseason under his belt, Crabtree could be a pleasant surprise for the 49ers and fantasy owners alike. He is the best WR on the 49ers and will get a lot of looks in the passing game. I like Crabtree as a number 2 fantasy WR but he is even more attractive as a 3rd WR. Crabtree should have a great year and if Alex Smith steps up Crabtree will see immediate benefits.
-Projection: 70-80 receptions, 1,100 yards receiving, 8 TDs
Vernon Davis broke out last season in a big way after 3 seasons of sub par production. He was the top scoring fantasy TE and finished the year with 13 TDs. With Crabtree asserting himself in the offense, Davis should once again have a big year. He has all the physical tools, most notably incredible speed. As with Crabtree, Davis's production hinges on Alex Smith having a good year. I would say Davis will go in the top 5 for TEs and could go as high as the number 3 TE. If you like taking a TE early Davis is a good bet for another strong season.
-Projection: 65-75 receptions, 900-1,000 yards receiving, 10 TDs
I have to say the jury is still out on Alex Smith, but a few have already walked out the door. He has never been able to put everything together after a successful career at Utah. This season may be the last shot for Alex Smith. He needs to prove he can manage games and stop making ill-advised throws. Now that he has some weapons in Crabtree, Davis, and Gore there is no time left for excuses. With the 49ers getting better and being in a bad division I think Smith steps up this year. He does not need to be spectacular, just much smarter than in the past. He is not a bad option as a backup if you get him late, plus he plays in one of the worst divisions in football.
-Projection: 3,500-3,750 yards passing, 24 TDs, 16 INTs; 125 yards rushing, 1 TD
Patrick Willis is far and away the best fantasy LB in football. He is an absolute tackling machine. Simply put he does it all. Willis is always on the field, and he makes big plays. He should certainly be the first LB off the board as far as IDP's go and I think the first overall IDP. If your league is 1 point per tackle target Willis. The stats will be there.
-Projection: 150-170 total tackles, 3 INTs, 9 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles
Taylor Mays's fantasy stock will be interesting to watch this year. I want to see how the 49ers will use him on defense. Mays has the size of a LB and can hit like a truck. I would not draft Mays but watch him closely to see how he progresses and what kind of stats he puts up. Could also be great as a keeper for a defensive position.
-Projection: 75 total tackles, 1 INT, 7 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles
No comments:
Post a Comment