Fantasy Football: Frank Gore Fantasy Jabber

San Francisco 49ers Running Back, Frank Gore is often one of the most sought after fantasy football running backs. Last season, owners cooled off on him a bit (average draft position of second round, fourth pick), but you can bet that he will rebound this year in fantasy drafts.

In 2009, Gore only played 14 games for the second year in a row. His fantasy points went up 74 points and this was before improvements to the offensive line.

During the 2010 draft, the Niners used two first round picks on the line and both are projected to start. The team is expected to go for a more balanced approach this year, running the ball being goal one. Even when the ball is in the air, Frank Gore will be in the plan.

Some are concerned with the quarterback play in San Francisco. With second year pro Michael Crabtree and the long awaited production of Vernon Davis at tight end, the Niners are becoming more respectable in the passing game. Despite mediocre play at quarterback, Gore has been a receiving threat out of the backfield throughout his career, making him a solid PPR (Points Per Reception) running back.

Frank Gore is one of those backs fantasy football owners love. He is a feature back with no competition that threatens to take carries away. In fact, his primary backup, Glenn Coffee, just announced his retirement. He is active in the passing game, so what’s not to love?

It’s a bit tough to find a downside with Gore in 2010. If there is one glaring hole, it would be injuries. Gore has only completed one season in his career playing in all 16 games. The last two seasons he has missed two games in each. The games missed in 2009 were early on in weeks four and five.

He was able to rebound and finish 2009 strong. He had twenty plus carries in three out of the final four games as well as three 100-yard games out of the final four.

So where do you draft Gore?

After taking a dip last season, his ADP is looking more like it did in  2008 (1.09), and 2007 (1.05). Currently, his Average Draft Position is landing at the sixth pick in the first round (1.05).

Generally, Gore lands in a decision position. The top four running backs are gone and owners have to decide to go with Gore, Michael Turner, or look at a different position and take the top WR or QB. He will rarely make it past the middle of the first round and if he does you may be foolish not to pull the trigger.

At this time Frank Gore ranks No. 5 in our Running Back Redraft Rankings.

Year	Gm	Ru-Att	Ru-yds	Ave	R-TD	Rec	Re-yds	Ave	Re-TD	Fan pts
2009	14	229	1120	4.9	10	52	406	7.8	3	230.6
2008	14	240	1036	4.3	6	43	373	8.7	2	155.8
2007	15	260	1102	4.2	5	53	436	8.2	1	189.8