Why You Should Reach for Colin Kaepernick in Your Fantasy Football Draft

San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick is primed for a breakout season this year and, statistically, will be top ten in total fantasy points by season's end.

After taking over for Alex Smith during Week 6, Kaepernick put up impressive numbers that should make fantasy owners salivate for the upcoming 2013-14 season.  

In Kaepernick’s final five games in 2012, he threw for over 220 yards in every game, while throwing 11 touchdowns and only four interceptions. However, what makes Kaepernick a dynamic fantasy player is his running ability. It is no secret that Kaep is an explosive runner and arguably the best running quarterback in the NFL. But, what sets him apart is his big play ability and the weapons around him.

Kaepernick’s ability was best on display against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs last season. He finished the game 17-31 for 263 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He then had 16 rushes for 181 yards and two more touchdowns. In most fantasy leagues this would be a whopping 53 points. While this is definitely one extreme of the spectrum, it is not unrealistic to believe that Kaep can do that three or four times in 2013.

The main reason that Kaepernick is being under valued is because of the large number of quarterback’s in the league who can put up big numbers and the shortage of running backs. In most mock drafts, Kaepernick is going in the seventh round and, with his ceiling, getting him anywhere after the forth round is fantastic value.

With Kaepernick, you get the big arm quarterback with the additional five to 10 designed running plays that he can break at any time.

Although he will be without his favorite WR Michael Crabtree for the beginning part of the season, the acquisition of WR Anquan Boldin and the reliable play of TE Vernon Davis should be enough for his numbers to improve from last season. The 49ers also have the leagues' best running back trio in Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James.

In 2013, Kaepernick could be the first quarterback in history to throw for 4,000 yards, while adding 1,000 rushing yards. Don’t be surprised to see Kaep lead the Niners back to the Super Bowl if he can put up numbers like that.