Typically here is where I say ‘Don’t Buy The Hype’. You all know that who read here. Heck, read yesterday’s post about Justin Blackmon and realize I’m more Negative Nelly than Positive Peggy most times after a big game. But tonight’s game was different in my eyes. Though it’s true Alex Smith has had good moments over the last year and a half in San Fransisco, the fact remains he hasn’t been overly impressive. A conservative game plan with an average QB at the helm. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, seeing as their record since 2011 is now 20-5-1 (ugh…ties). With all that said, Colin Kaepernick was impressive tonight. It wasn’t just the numbers – 243 passing yards and 2 touchdowns – nor was it the fact that San Francisco won the game handily. Colin’s mobility, his ability to improvise and his ability to find his guys is what impressed me and note the defense he did this against. The question has to be asked, ‘If Smith were starting, does this game end 32-7?’. Defensively, I’m sure the 49ers still would’ve brought the thunder like they did last night. That Bears offensive line is so bad it’s unreal. In all honesty, I think San Fran fans have accepted their 16-10 wins because…well, they’re still winning them. But Alex doesn’t afford his team the opportunity for nights like this and I think the 49ers know this. Don’t forget, we’re just a few months removed for San Fran bidding on Peyton Manning. Over the last 6 quarters Colin has been at the helm, the 49ers offense has scored 47 points with 30 of it coming against the Bears defense. Let that sink in for a bit. We could be seeing the beginning of a new era at QB down at Candlestick and if this is just the start, I want in.  In other fantasy football news…
Vernon Davis – It lives! Vernon reeled in the big fantasy day with 6 receptions for 83 yards and the score. Just to keep with the theme of QB change, Vernon had 3 of his 4 receptions and 4 of his 5 targets when Colin came in last week. I know it’s not normal but if it’s now Colin’s job, you really should ask your friend if they could give you a VD.
Frank Gore – For owners frustrated, just realize you drafted a back for a playoff bound team. Him getting 17 touches for 78 yards and not much else makes sense. This game was nearly decided by halftime and unfortch for Gore owners, Kendall Hunter nabbed a touchdown with 1 of his 5 carries early on in the game. Let’s be Frank: 7.8 fantasy points at that bad for where you got Gore.
Brandon Marshall – Owners were saved by a touchdown that…well, I still don’t understand how the Bears got the ball back. On 3rd and 19 Campbell got blown up, fumbled and then an offensive lineman slapped the ball out of bounds while being nudged by a San Francisco defender. This was out near the 50. They then cut away to commercial while the sidelines attended to Jason. I came back from my own form of commercial break to find the Bears around SF’s 30. I think they said the 49er defender pushed the offensive lineman out of bounds which somehow turned a 3rd and 19 on the 40 to a 1st and 10 closer to the 30. Sounds like that call was out of bounds to me. In any case, it took cojones of titanium alloy for Loudon to say to sit him this week if you had better options and honestly, his owners are lucky for the 2 rec and 21 yards with the TD cuz that call was spot on…unlike the refs. Bring back the replacements!
Michael Crabtree – Only had 3 receptions for 31 yards, but did have the fantasy saving touchdown. If Colin stays around, Crabtree will still be involved but considering there were over 100 yards that came from Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams on the night, his value could diminish a bit. Then again, more redzone targets could become a thing as well. When one door closes another door opens. At least that’s what I’ve learned from playing Portal.
Matt Forte – Only 63 yards on 21 carries to go with 4 yards on 3 receptions. Definitely not the night fantasy owners dream of when they start Matt, but it’s not many star RBs forte to run it well versus San Fran’s def.
Jason Campbell – I’ve never liked him. As a starter he was the king of the checkdown, even when there was protection. Well, now I just feel bad for him because tonight they dined on Cambpell soup and of course it tasted like chicken. Six sacks and even when he did get the throw off it was under pressure and to be fair to him, he was willing to throw down field for once in his career. That O-line is going to get someone killed. It’s like they’re on strike and the coaches aren’t giving into their demands. One sack by Aldon Smith? Yeah, ok, sure. Two? Alright, well we should get someone on him. Then three, four, four and a half, five…honestly, there was one play where he stood on the right edge and just flew right in, unblocked. How do you not check the guy who’s leading the league in sacks? Non-fantasy advice: this will be the Bears downfall every year no matter if they make the playoffs. Fantasy advice: this will be the downfall of any fantasy value derived from the QB position in Chicago and any WR further down the depth chart than Marshall until they’ve figured it out.
