After a week of mulling over their abysmal performance against the Falcons, the 49ers will look to take full advantage of the 28th ranked defense of the Houston Texans by unveiling their secret weapon: Michael Crabtree.
Crabtree Set To Take Center Stage Vs. Houston
Graciously, Josh Morgan has stepped aside as the top WR2 to give way to the touted rookie prospect out of Texas Tech in an effort to help bolster a team that has skimmed by on a philosophy of ball control rather than explosiveness; something Crabtree could provide for the 49ers.
For Fantasy owners who drafted Crabtree, or picked him up on waivers, this is about as prime of a situation they can get. The 49ers lack a viable down-field threat and that is precisely what Crabtree brings to the table.
Mike Singletary and the San Fran organization gives the rookie a complete vote of confidence and has said he is looking very sharp in practice; Crabtree has had about two weeks to really get into the mix of things.
The Texans have struggled all year long to stop just about anyone catching a ball, and to think Crabtree won’t produce would be a big mistake as the two-time First Team All American and Texas Tech standout has been anxious to get into the mix of the big stage; and now Crabtree, and San Fran, feels it’s time to shine.
For owners looking for a sleeper pick this week that will afford them some success Crabtree (61% owned) is at the forefront of WR choices, and is a potentially deadly threat to the Texans; as it is technically his homecoming as well as his NFL debut.
Pulling from my list of WR start/sit I’d say start Crabtree over all of the follow WR:
| #1 Steve Smith (Carolina): Last week's biggest bust, Smith is unfortunatly the victim of a highly overrated QB that has less targets than a deer in hunting season. Smith has talent no doubt; his QB does not. |
| #2 T.O: Like Chris Henry, T.O. is the next winner of Mr. Fantasy irrelevant and shouldn't be counted on for anything until further notice. |
| #3 Donnie Avery: Indianapolis gives up the fewest yards per pass attempt in the NFL, and Avery's little time in the sun last week will be a forgotten memory against the Colts. |
| #4 Greg Camarillo: Camarillo is the top possession receiver for Miami, but against a Saints team that suddenly has a stout pass defense he should be sat for this week. |
| #5 Antonio Bryant: When exactly this guy gets to the point of starting status in Fantasy is beyond me, and until the Bucs show their QB situation is settled his production isn't going to be good enough to warrant a start. |
| #6 Earl Bennett: Bennett has taken a back seat as the lowest man on the totem pole and should be benched until the Bears show more use for him consistently. |
| #7 Muhsin Muhammad: Not an option at all, nuff said. |
| #8 Santana Moss: Moss does good things vs. bad teams which the Eagles are not. Look for his performance to be minimal at best. |
#9 Percy Harvin: Harvin's shoulder is being downplayed by Childress, but you should consider benching him until he at least gets up to 100% which he is not. |
Written by Ray Tannock
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