Fantasy Friday: Week 8 Team Scouting Reports From SB Nation

The 49ers will be switching to a new QB, can he make a difference? Niners Nation responds.

QB Alex Smith The big story this week in San Francisco is the return of Alex Smith. After a hideous first half, Shaun Hill was benched last week in favor of Smith, who proceeded to put together one of the best performances of his short career. This week, Smith was named the starter going forward and gets to kick things off against the Colts. The Colts defense features a fearsome pass rush, that, given the 49ers offensive line struggles, could be in Smith’s face all day long. In every league I’m in people were pouncing on Smith on the waiver wire this week. Long term it might be a smart move, given the numerous weapons now at his disposal (the most in his 4+ years with the team). However, this week might not be the best week to roll out your shiny new toy. I do think the 49ers have a puncher’s chance against the Colts, but unless you need a bye-week fill in, I’d hold off for a week to see if Smith is legit.

RB Frank Gore has struggled mightily this season. He had two great rushes against the Seahawks that make up a majority of his 2009 yards. The re-emergence of Smith, coupled with Crabtree and Morgan’s continued development would seem to indicate maybe the team is turning to the pass. However, OC Jimmy Raye has emphatically stated that they may tweak the offense, but they still consider themselves a run-first team. And this week against the Colts, if the 49ers do want to spring the upset, they will have to control the clock and keep Peyton Manning off the field. I don’t know if Gore will get great numbers, but he will continue to get every chance to get those numbers.

WR Michael Crabtree had a solid first outing finishing with 5 catches for 56 yards. The elevation of Smith to starting QB could benefit Crabtree as much as anybody else. Over the bye week Crabtree was catching a lot of passes from Smith, and prior to his holdout had spent more time working with Smith than with Hill. Crabtree played more snaps last week than anybody else and that trend will likely continue this week. Crabtree will need to show consistency before becoming a must-start, but he has certainly begun well.

Check Niners Nation for all 49ers updates.

The Jags try to right their season, Big Cat Country says:

Start: Mike Sims-Walker – He’s been hot since taking over the starting spot from Troy Williamson and he’s facing the worst pass defense in the league. Mike is the first look for David Garrard and he can be counted on for 80-100 yards and a TD.

Start: Mike Thomas – Sure, he’s shouldn’t be your first or second WR, but if you’re looking for a bye-week filler that could get you a TD and some yards, you could do much worse.

The Ravens return after a bye week, what’s in store for them? Baltimore Beatdown has the lowdown.

The Baltimore Ravens have a tough one this weekend, hosting the undefeated Denver Broncos. However, both Joe Flacco and Ray Rice should remain in your starting lineups for Sunday, as they are among the league leaders, Flacco in passing yards and Rice in all-purpose yardage. Beyond that, I’d stay away from any Ravens. At the same time, I do like the Ravens chances at home so I’d stay away from anything on Denver’s side, although Brandon Marshall might be a good pick for them. However, I actually have Marshall on my fantasy team but am sitting him because I’m expecting and hoping for a poor day for him.

Baltimore Beatdown is on the Ravens beat.

It’s been a horrible season for the Titans, but they made some news by promoting Vince Young to QB1. We check in with Music City Miracles to see what it all means.

The Vince Young era (part II) for the Titans begins Sunday against the Jaguars. Obviously if you are in a 12 team, 1 QB league you aren’t playing Vince, but if you are in a league that plays 2 QBs Vince is worth a look. Keep in mind; he is probably a better fantasy QB than real-life QB because of his ability to run.