Fantasy Scouting Report: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers get a key cog back this week, Niners Nation explains.

The 49ers matchup this weekend against the Texans is not one for defensive minds. The Texans defense generally struggles and the 49ers defense got blown up by Atlanta. Funny enough though, in one of my leagues I have the 49ers defense and they still managed some points. They’re an aggressive defense that will get turnovers, and hopefully more consistently, sacks. If you don’t mind getting few if any points for “points given up” I say keep going with them.

But who are we kidding, this week is about two guys: Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree.

Frank Gore makes his eagerly anticipated return after missing the last two games, and then resting over the bye week to heal up ankle and foot injuries. He’s got fresh legs and is facing a Texans rush defense that generally has struggled, although they did look good against previously leading rusher Cedric Benson (serious, Cedric Benson is actually big time this year!). The 49ers switched up the right side of their offensive line, elevating Tony Pashos to full-time right tackle and moving Adam Snyder over to right guard to split time with second year struggling guard Chilo Rachal. Will that make a difference? Well, Frank Gore will always get numbers, but let’s hope for big things this weekend.

The other guy is wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Oh yes, he is officially getting going this week. Not only is he making his debut, but the rumors persist that he’ll actually start this game ahead of Josh Morgan. Initially the plan was for him to see 12-15 plays. Supposedly he so impressed 49ers coaches and players over his first two weeks practicing and studying with the team, that they feel confident in elevating that time. Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was quoted as saying he expect Crabtree to appear in half the offensive plays. Now whether he produces is another question, but I’m excited to see. This could also mean big things for Shaun Hill going forward having a potential big time playmaker at his disposal. It’s going to take some time, so we’ll see how this first week plays out. If you’re team is struggling or has enough other weapons, maybe roll out Crabtree just because of the upside. If you need some guaranteed points, it might be wise to wait a week.
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