No great teams here, but that doesn't mean fantasy owners should avoid this division.
In a division where wins are hard to come by, there are only a few players you’ll want to target from the West. Having said that, the few options are valuable pieces, and will prove worthy of an early selection in your fantasy football draft.
Arizona Cardinals
Kevin Kolb will finally have the starting QB position to himself, and figures to produce. In limited action in Philly, Kolb was effective, and that was without a receiver of Larry Fitzgerald‘s caliber. Kolb is a patient QB that won’t force the action, making him a safe option for owners if your starter is out. Fitz is among the games elite pass catchers, and has produced regardless of the talent at quarterback. Kolb is an improvement over last year, which means the athletic WR will put up WR1 numbers on a weekly basis. Beanie Wells shifts into the featured role after rookie Ryan Williams was lost for the season. Beanie has disappointed fantasy owners before, but there is plenty of potential to like here, and he will come cheaper than in past drafts. HE value will only increase as the season progress’, so target him while you can.
Saint Louis Rams
Same Bradford is among the games most promising young talents at QB. Don’t be surprised if he continues to improve, but we are not projecting him worthy of starting in fantasy leagues just yet. He needs more weapons around him to cash in on his great potential, but a few more steps forward this year seems reasonable. He will be protected by a forceful running game that is headlined by Steven Jackson. Jackson produces low end RB1 number annually, and with defenses respecting Bradford more and more, I expect Jackson to improve on last year’s stats and provide top 10 RB numbers once again. The acquisition of Mike Sims-Walker is nice, but he isn’t the play maker needed to make Bradford a fantasy starter. MSW will catch a fair share of balls, and if he develops chemistry with Bradford, he has an outside shot at a 1,000 yard season.
San Francisco 49ers
Since the loss of Steve Young, the 9ers have struggled to solidify their passing game. They have stayed committed to their latest draft mistake in Alex Smith, who was taken ahead of Aaron Rodgers. Smith will finish in the bottom third of the starting QB’s, and isn’t worth owning. One thing to like about Smith is his situation, as he has 3 options that are all freakishly athletic. TE Vernon Davis is viewed as a top 5 contributed at his position, although I have my concerns that Alex Smith isn’t capable of maximizing his talent. Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards have the physical ability to win match ups, but they are very similar receivers. Without an underneath option, defenses can game plan for the big play, and limited even the most gifted of players. Frank Gore is the 49er worth owning this year, as seems to be the case every year. He is one of the better backs at route running (46 catches per year), and is capable of pounding the ball 20-25 times a game. Health is a bit of a concern, but when on the field, Gore is a safe pick to click almost every week.
Seattle Seahawks
Believing in any kind of consistent production from a Seahawk this year is a big mistake. Lead by sporadic QB Tavaris Jackson, the passing game will struggle to find its form. Mike Williams and Sidney Rice are nice pieces, but neither is a true number one receiver that Jackson can lean on. Jackson and Rice played, and by played I mean practiced, together in Minnesota, so a strong connection could form, making Rice the lone Seahawk with considerable upside. Marshawn Lynch shook the world with his playoff run last year against the Saints, but cannot be counted on weekly. Teams will force Jackson to beat them by plugging all running lanes, making it hard for Lynch to consistently produce. There are better options in better situations that come without the downside these Seahawks, look elsewhere when filling out your roster.
Play Fantasy Football! Looking for the best Weekly Fantasy Football Games out there? Our friends at Fantazzle have just what you need. Play weekly College and NFL Salary Cap, Pickem and Challenge Fantasy Football Games for free and entry fees and win cash prizes!
