The Niners have been very fantasy-friendly this year with much of the production coming from an unlikely source- QB Alex Smith, who with his efficient and steady performance thus far has elevated himself into a higher level of fantasy consideration. Let's look at who might be a good play against Minnesota this week.
START: QB Alex Smith: Smith is a top-15 QB in terms of fantasy and is an astonishing second in passer rating with a 115.9, behind only Matt Ryan who has a 117.6 rating. Under the cruel tutelage of Pai Mei Jim Harbaugh, Smith is finally coming into his own and fulfilling the promise he showed before the Niners took him first overall in 2005. He is a good bet to continue his efficient and successful ways against a Vikings secondary that has struggled to deal with Blaine Gabbert and Andrew Luck thus far this season.
START: RB Frank Gore. He is fifth-ranked amongst running backs in fantasy so far this season and is probably the best draft bargain in football, non-Robert Griffin III division. He should have no trouble against the Vikings front seven and has been carrying the bulk of the load thus far in the running game, alleviating concerns that the other backs on the Niners team would cut into his workload. Start him with full confidence.
START: Michael Crabtree. Obviously, Vernon Davis is the focal point of the Niners' passing attack. Davis is the best fantasy tight end and is, in fact, the eighth best player in all of fantasy football regardless of position. He is obviously a must start but this week I think Crabtree will find himself the target of several passes and may score a touchdown. If you have him, this is the week to play him.
The "Sit" lists are a little more difficult because the Niners have been so good, almost nobody on their team has underperformed. The offense is rolling, the defense is the best in the league, the kicker is the best in the league. Everything is working just like Harbaugh planned. So for this week I'm going to have to forgo a "Sit" list, as anyone whom you'd normally have on a fantasy squad from the Niners is worth playing against Minnesota.
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