NFL Football - Team Previews

San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Preview

QB – Alex Smith

Once the ultra-conservative 49ers opened the playbook Smith started to show the promise of being a former number one draft pick. He threw 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in the final seven weeks, after taking the spot from Shaun Hill. With the arrival of Vernon Davis as an elite tight end and the arrival of Michael Crabtree, Smith should be able to improve slightly which makes him a high-upside number 2 quarterback.

RB – Frank Gore

If Gore can stay healthy for a whole season his stats have the potential to be top 5 in the league, even with health issues he rushes for 1,000 yards annually. This year I believe Gore can make it into the top 5. With a vastly improved offensive line with the drafting of Davis and Iupati, and the 49ers committed to being a run first team expect (if healthy all season) to approach 1,500 yards and double digit touchdowns possibly. He is a number one running back who should not be let out of the first round of your draft.

WR – Michael Crabtree

Crabtree’s diva-like holdout delayed the start of his rookie season, but once he arrived his fantasy impact was immediate going for 48 catches and 625 yards in 11 games. With a full training camp, he has major upside that could easily go for 70 catches and 1,000 yards. Crabtree is ranked as high upside number 2 wr receiver, and if everything goes right a low-end number 1. Mock drafts have him going in the 5^th round after the likes of Boldin and Ochocinco, which is a safe time to draft Crabtree.

WR – Josh Morgan And Ted Ginn Jr.

Morgan has the potential to join the long line of third-year WRs to breakout. Even though he is 4^th in the pecking order, he has decent upside that should be worth a look in the late rounds of 12 team or better leagues. For Ginn Jr, he should warrant a spot as a WR/RB if your league gives decent points for return yardage.

TE – Vernon Davis

Ladies And Gentleman, Vernon Davis has arrived…I think. There is no doubt that Davis gives defenses matchup fits. He broke out for 94 catches and 35 shy of 1,000.recieving yards. If the 49ers offense can stay somewhat balanced expect very similar stats to his 2009 production. He is a potential top 3 tight end and should be drafted as such. If you see a run on TE starting get him quick and hope there is no regression and Davis is here to stay.