San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Projections

49ers fans and players have a lot to smile about heading into 2010.

The San Francisco 49ers have been struggling to right their ship for a good while now, and 2010 looks like they year they could make that happen in a solid way. They ended 2009 in 2nd place behind the Arizona Cardinals, but the birds lost a few feathers in the off-season and the 49ers panned some new gold. If QB Alex Smith can continue his connection with Vernon Davis and build chemistry with young receiving stud Michael Crabtree, taking the NFC West is readily within site. This means good things for fantasy in the city by the bay.

Division: NFC West – Projected Finish: 1st Place

Strength of Schedule - #28 = 5th best. The entire NFC West gets a welcome schedule in 2010, meaning the already weak division has a chance to shine.

QUARTERBACK

From a fantasy perspective there’s a lot to like in San Francisco this season, and it all starts with Alex Smith. Smith was a decently effective fantasy performer after taking over the QB job for Shaun Hill last season. He averaged 2 TDs per game. In 2010 it’s his season to really make some noise. I currently have him ranked at #17.

RUNNING BACK

The 49ers have one of the league’s best RB’s in Frank Gore, and a Tier One, Top 5 fantasy tailback. He is one of the few true feature backs, and improvements in the offensive front can only help. His only concern is injury, so if you take Gore, be sure to handcuff him to the capable, Glen Coffee.

WIDE RECEIVER

Bring it, biatch!!!

After a lengthy hold-out last season, the team’s stud receiver of the future finally signed and joined the team, but he’s not the only receiving threat in San Francisco.

• Michael Crabtree – Once the rookie showed up he had 48 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. This season he could dominate. He will be ranked somewhere around #20 at WR.
• Josh Morgan – Morgan is the forgotten man, who still has great promise and skill. With team’s keying on Crabtree, Davis and Gore, Josh should be the benefactor of many deep balls. His receptions jumped after Smith and Crabtree took the field last year. He will likely be a sleeper this year as he gets overlooked.

Ted Ginn, Jr. and Jason Hill are still in the mix as well.

TIGHT END

Vernon Davis finally exploded last season after toying with fantasy owners for several seasons. Almost 1000 yards and 13 TDs. A full year with Alex Smith and more weapons on the field should keep Davis a solid fantasy pick. I have him ranked at #4.

KICKER

Veteran Joe Nedney was largely unimpressive last season missing four attempts on only 21 FG kicks. He’s heading into his 15th season, and sophomore Shane Andrus is in the wings. At the moment I’d skip the 49ers kicking situation.

DEFENSE

When you think of fantasy defenses, San Francisco is probably off most people’s radar, but surprisingly they ranked 4th overall at seasons end. They tied for 3rd in sacks, 1st in fumble recoveries, and were one of eight teams to limit opposing teams to under 100 yards rushing per game. So while other fantasy GM’s are overpaying for the Saints, Ravens, Packers, Eagles and Vikings, you’ll know where to find the gold for cheap.

IDP names to know? Of course the list starts with the top overall fantasy IDP Linebacker – Patrick Willis. Defensive Lineman – Justin Smith. Defensive Back – Dashon Goldson, and perhaps rookie Taylor Mays.

2010 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

"

Wk	Date	Game	Stadium	Time (ET)
1	Sep 12	SF @ SEA	Qwest Field	4:15 PM
2	Sep 20	NO @ SF	Candlestick Park	8:30 PM
3	Sep 26	SF @ KC	Arrowhead Stadium	1:00 PM
4	Oct 03	SF @ ATL	Georgia Dome	1:00 PM
5	Oct 10	PHI @ SF	Candlestick Park	8:20 PM
6	Oct 17	OAK @ SF	Candlestick Park	4:05 PM
7	Oct 24	SF @ CAR	Bank of America Stadium	1:00 PM
8	Oct 31	DEN @ SF	Wembley Stadium	1:00 PM
9	Bye
10	Nov 14	STL @ SF	Candlestick Park	4:15 PM
11	Nov 21	TB @ SF	Candlestick Park	4:05 PM
12	Nov 29	SF @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	8:30 PM
13	Dec 05	SF @ GB	Lambeau Field	1:00 PM
14	Dec 12	SEA @ SF	Candlestick Park	4:05 PM
15	Dec 16	SF @ SD	Qualcomm Stadium	8:20 PM
16	Dec 26	SF @ STL	Edward Jones Dome	1:00 PM
17	Jan 02	ARI @ SF	Candlestick Park	4:15 PM

"

COACHING STRATEGY

Singletary walks the walk

OFFENSE

The team helped fortify the offensive line this off-season with two 1st round picks, in tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati. This will help keep Mike Singletary’s offense on the field. Singletary coaches work ethic and discipline which has rubbed off on the team

DEFENSE

Singletary is also extremely focused on defense, hence the team’s solid rankings in 2009 on that side of the ball. His players will only continue to blossom in 2010 under his firm tutelage. The team primarily uses a 3-4 defensive scheme, but on occasion will switch to a one gap 4-3.