Fantasy Scouting Report: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are still in the playoff hunt, but need to get hot. What does Niners Nation say about this upcoming game?

The 49ers head north to Seattle and continue to await the huge breakout game from Michael Crabtree. Crabtree has consistently put up solid numbers each week, even managing a touchdown one week. This past weekend against the Jaguars he dropped a would-be touchdown pass and another deep ball that would have pushed him over the top in terms of fantasy performance. This week he faces a less than stellar Seahawks secondary in a huge game. Crabtree has not only been a playmaker for the 49ers, but he’s stepped up in big situations. The NN fantasy guru suggested starting him, and I’m thinking if you’re in a tight playoff race and want to go with a high upside guy, start Crabtree.

The other 49er that continues to be a must-start is Vernon Davis. In one league I’m in with pretty general scoring, Vernon Davis is the #1 scoring tight end. That’s certainly quite a turn around for a guy who was considered a bust by many heading into this season. No matter who is QB for the 49ers, Vernon Davis will find ways to score points because he’s too fast for linebackers and too big for most safeties and cornerbacks. The only corner to provide consistent coverage of him was Charles Woodson, and there aren’t a lot of Charles Woodsons in the league. If you don’t start Vernon Davis, and subsequently lose out on a big game, it’s your own fault.

Alex Smith is quietly becoming the best available option on the waiver wire. The Seahawks pass defense isn’t so hot, and Alex Smith has had some decent success in Seattle. I don’t recommend starting him. However, in one league I’m in where I have Peyton Manning, I’m in the hunt for the playoffs (4 teams, 2 rounds). Given that the playoffs will be week 15 and 16, if the Colts lose a game at some point, Manning will start to see more bench time, and you’ll need a decent QB option. Without many left on the waiver wire, Alex Smith will face the Detroit Lions week 16, when most leagues have their championship games. Keep that in mind.

Finally, the 49ers defense. The Seahawks have a healthy Julius Jones, even though Justin Forsett showed a lot of success. This might benefit the 49ers if the Seahawks roll out Jones fairly frequently as he’s struggled for the most part this season. The defense remains a decent start each week because of the aggressiveness they bring to the table. This weekend is a solid enough matchup to roll them out.

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