Fantasy Football 2012: Aaron Rodgers Is Still a Smart Start Against 49ers

Aaron Rodgers unquestionably deserves a Week 1 start in all fantasy football leagues—even against the brutal San Francisco 49ers defense.

Many owners are hesitant to start Rodgers, or anyone else for that matter, against the 49ers. However, Rodgers should get the nod not only because he's the best fantasy QB in the league, but also because he's a matchup nightmare for San Francisco.  

Here's why Rodgers is a smart start this Sunday and is set to have one of the biggest Week 1 QB performances. 

Rodgers Dominated 49ers in 2010

If history is any indication, Aaron Rodgers is a great play this Sunday against San Francisco.

The last time San Francisco and Green Bay squared off was December 5, 2010. Rodgers was pretty close to dominant and wound up completing 21/30 passes with 298 yards, three TDs and zero INTs.

Granted, it's definitely true that the 49ers defense is much better now than it was in 2010.

However, as you'll find out on the next slide, Rodgers has absolutely no reason to fret over the 49ers' pass defense—even with the huge strides the 49ers have made since 2010. 

Overrated 49ers Pass Defense

While the 49ers boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, their passing defense remains incredibly overrated. Rodgers is going capitalize on this in Week 1.

While the emergence of Aldon Smith and others created the league's best rush defense, the 49ers pass defense has never been very good.

In 2010, the 49ers ranked 24th in passing defense and only jumped to 16th in 2011. Since the 49ers defense is widely regarded as the No. 1 in fantasy football, many assume they can smother the pass. Not true.

While 16th is decent, it's also important to keep in mind the 49ers play in the NFC West. Last season they got to face Sam Bradford, Tarvaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb quite a few times.

Everyone can agree that Rodgers is just a wee-bit better than those guys.

In other words, the 49ers passing defense enters 2012 as fairly mediocre and overrated. As an elite quarterback with tons of weapons, Rodgers is ready to put huge points on the board.

Mobility Is Greatest Advantage

While the 49ers passing defense may be overrated, even questioning their pass rush would be complete football idiocy. However, Rodgers is ready overcome it.

With elite pass-rushers like Aldon Smith, Justin Smith and Ahmad Brooks, the 49ers are a nightmare for many pocket passers.

However, Rodgers is hardly a conventional pocket passer. He's good at avoiding the sack and gets out of the pocket with ease. QBs like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning should fear the 49ers, but Rodgers won't even flinch in Week 1. 

When Rodgers scrambles, he'll break down the 49ers pass-rush and receiver coverage. In other words, Rodgers will take one of the 49ers' best assets and use it to his advantage.

This is going to allow Rodgers to put big fantasy points on the board.

It's Rodgers!

As the NFL's best fantasy quarterback, Rodgers deserves an owner's trust at this point. He should start every week no matter who the opponent is.

Last season, Rodgers tallied at least 20 fantasy points in 14-of-15 games according to ESPN standard scoring rules. He also scored over 30 points four times and had at least two TDs in every game but one.

In other words, Rodgers is the epitome of consistency. He puts points on the board no matter who his opponent is.

The 49ers defense is tough. But Rodgers is simply too good of a quarterback, too consistent and too well-matched with the 49ers to warrant a sit.

Get Rodgers in your starting lineup and don't move him at all this season.