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So I had an interesting dilemma in my fantasy football keeper league. I had to decide if I wanted to retain LeGarrette Blount or Frank Gore. It’s not a PPR league, which evens the playing field. Do I go with the proven player or the young upstart?
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Frank Gore has had five straight seasons with 1300+ total yards. He has a track record of being one of the best running backs in the year. I have him ranked higher than Blount, which is on par with most rankings. The beauty of Gore is that if he gets shut down in the running game he can still make up for it in the passing game. That increases the odds of him having a good game, something that Luxbet Mobile can relate to.
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Plus,  Jim Harbaugh is committed to building the offense around Gore.
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He’s not without a downside though. Gore has missed nine games in the past three years, including five last year with a hip injury. While he hasn’t reached thirty, he is in the neighborhood. He has averaged 300 touches over the past five years, or 21.4 a game giving Gore some serious mileage.
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He’s unhappy about his contract as well.  He is saying the right things about not wanting to be a distraction to his teammates or coaches, and at least he is in camp unlike Chris Johnson, but it would not be a stretch to say that could weigh on his mind during the year.
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I would be surprised if the Niners paid the man. To me running back is the most replaceable position in football. With Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon appear ready to handle the load once Gore is gone. That has to factor in since this is a keeper league.
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Meanwhile Blount is 24 (25 in December). The Bucs did not make a splash in the NFL Draft or free agency to provide serious competition to Blount.
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Blount ran for 1007 yards on 201 carries (5.0 ypc) with six touchdowns. He was non-existent in the passing game, but that is less of an issue since this isn’t a PPR league. While it takes away from his total yardage numbers, I think he’ll do enough damage on the ground to make up for it.
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He’s a big back (6’0″, 245 lbs) with good speed, power, and even the ability to leap would-be tacklers.
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Plus, I prefer his fantasy playoffs match-ups with Jacksonville, Dallas, and Carolina over San Francisco’s of Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Seattle.
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I decided to keep Blount over Gore? Am I nuts? Feel free to speak your mind.
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Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings

Written by Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com

When Glen Coffee suddenly retired, it looked like the 49ers would be left with little behind star running back Frank Gore.  Less then three weeks later, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Not only did they bring Brian Westbrook into the mix, but sixth round pick Anthony Dixon has emerged from obscurity.  While a lot of his impressive preseason statistics came against marginal NFL players, at best, it still is hard to overlook.

He led the NFL with 300 rushing yards (Michael Bennett was second with 236). He led the NFL with four rushing touchdowns.

Then again, he had 20 more carries then any other running back, at 74.  When you have that big of a lead in carries, it’s easy to out rush the competition by such a great margin.

Despite coach Mike Singleton telling Comcast Sports Net California that, “When you have a guy like that, there’s going to be a role”, it’s impossible to think the role is going to be anything too special at this point.

With the options that the team has in front of him, it’s going to take a lot for Dixon to get regular touches.  Granted, Westbrook certainly is an injury risk, but even if he were the primary understudy to Gore would you expect him to develop into usability?

Gore has played in 14 or more games each of the past four years, only once having less then 1,100 yards during that span (1,036 in 2008).  He’s a workhorse, and should remain to be the main man in San Francisco.

Coffee, as the primary backup to Gore in 2009, got just 83 carries for 226 yards and a touchdown (plus 11 catches for 76 yards).

An impressive preseason is nice, but Dixon just isn’t likely to make an impact in 2010.  Don’t bother getting caught up in any attention he may be receiving.  There are much better options that should be available to you.

Keep an eye on him, just in case, but there certainly is no reason to be making a move right now.

What are your thoughts of Dixon?  Is there any chance he develops into a usable option in 2010?  Why or why not?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s 2010 rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers

You can also check out my Week 1 Rankings:
Week 1 QB Rankings
Week 1 RB Rankings
Week 1 WR Rankings
Week 1 TE Rankings
Week 1 K Rankings
Week 1 DEF Rankings
Week 1 IDP Rankings

For the first time in a long time the 49ers enter the year with quality fantasy options at RB, WR, and TE. They also have a good chance to win the division.

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule:  Very Favorable
The Niners open the fantasy playoffs against Seattle at home. They play the Chargers in San Diego Week 15 and finish up against the Rams on the road. Frank Gore owners have to be licking their chops.

Five Star Fantasy Options
Frank Gore – Aside from the cushy fantasy playoffs schedule, the Niners invested two first round picks in RT Anthony Davis and LG Mike Iupati. Gore is a talented RB that can get it done on the ground and through the air. As long as he stays healthy, the sky is the limit.

Vernon Davis – I am a little skeptical that he can perform near the level he did last year, but any time a TE catches 78 passes for 965 yards and 13 TDs, you have to take note. He’s a freakish athlete that has finally figured things out. If he stays healthy, another big year should be in order.

Four Star Fantasy Options
Michael Crabtree – In 11 games Crabtree caught 48 passes for 625 yards and 2 TDs. He was remarkable consistent catching between 3-6 passes every game. With a full training camp and preseason, Crabtree has plenty of room to grow.

Niners Defense/Special Teams – I love the Niners D for the fantasy playoffs. Also along the way they face Seattle (Weeks 1, 14), Kansas City (3), Oakland (5), St. Louis (10, 16), and Tampa (11). Ted Ginn, Jr.’s arrival should bolster their return game.

Three Star Fantasy Options
Alex Smith – His leash probably isn’t as long as other starters, but as long as he produces he should keep his grip on the starting job. With increased confidence and a variety of talent on offense, Smith makes for a solid QB2.

Josh Morgan – Morgan has the potential to join the long line of third-year WRs to breakout. He has the size and speed to do it, but he’s fourth in pecking order after Gore, Davis, and Crabtree.

Two Star Fantasy Options
Ted Ginn, Jr. – Maybe a change of scenery is all Ginn, Jr. needs. I’m not holding my breath that he’ll improve his hands since by switching coasts, but the potential is there for him to be a solid slot receiver.

One Star Fantasy Options
Glen Coffee/Anthony Dixon – Neither of these players are fantasy worthy unless Frank Gore goes down. Of the two I like Coffee’s chances better.

Click here for additional 2010 NFL Team Previews.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Frank Gore’s MRI on his injured ankle revealed that the star Running Back has an ankle strain.  The injury will sideline Gore for three weeks.  Fortunately for San Francisco and Gore fantasy owners, the 49ers have a bye in Week 6.

Glen Coffee will replace Gore in the starting lineup as they face St. Louis this week and Atlanta the following week. Coffee struggled filling in for Gore this week, but that’s typical of most RBs that play the Vikings.  It’s too bad the matchups weren’t reversed as the Falcons present more of a challenge.  It would be nice to see Coffee have a game under his belt before rolling the dice on him in a fantasy lineup.  However, this week’s game against the Rams may be too juicy to resist if you don’t have a decent alternative.

How do you think Coffee will do this week?  Are you considering playing Coffee this week?  If you want to run a lineup question by me, feel free to leave one in the comments.

Brian Westbrook (ankle) and DeSean Jackson (groin) were banged up in Philadelphia’s loss to the Saints.  Both will likely miss some practice time this week so you’ll have to monitor their availability.  New Orleans’ Mike Bell hurt his knee, which could open the door for Pierre Thomas.  Lance Moore (hamstring) was knocked out of the Saints.  He seems like a forgotten man.

Frank Gore shredded Seattle’s Defense, but injured his ankle along the way.  Fortunately for Gore owners, it doesn’t appear to be serious.

Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) left today’s game.  Hopefully, you have good options in case he’s out for an extended period.  Trent Edwards, David Garrard, Kyle Orton, or Byron Leftwich may be available in your league if need be.

Seattle’s Rookie Tackle Jason Smith injured his knee.  If he’s out, Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger and company could continue to struggle.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Frank Gore is one of those guys I’ll likely never own.  Not that I dislike him, but usually someone is willing to take him before I am willing to pull the trigger on him.  He had a solid year last year, but 1409 total yards (1036 rushing, 373 receiving) and 8 TDs don’t quite add up for a guy taken in the top seven or so.  Of course he did miss two games, but I won’t give him a pardon since they were during the fantasy playoffs in Weeks 15 & 16.  He is still worthy of first round pick, particularly in PPR leagues as he 52.3 receptions the past three years (although it’s declined each year).  The Niners did draft Glen Coffee (Alabama) in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft.  It’s a same assumption that he will shoulder some of the load.  Couple that with a QB battle between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith and I just as soon take one of the big WRs (Fitz or Andre Johnson) or Clinton Portis if he’s available at the bottom of the first round.

The Niners have a decent schedule.  They open the season and the fantasy playoffs (Week 14) with Arizona.  They face the Rams in Week 4.  Unfortunately they face them again Week 17 when it doesn’t matter to most fantasy owners.  Their fantasy playoff schedule is solid with the aforementioned tilt with Arizona, a clash with Philly in Week 15, and the Detroit Lions in the fantasy football championship game.  You have to love that.  Of course, if he misses the title game like last year, it’s a moot point.

Like I said Gore will be taken in the first round in most drafts.  If he stays healthy he should earn his keep.  I’m projecting him to have 1600 total yards and 7 TDs.

The 49ers actually played decent under Mike Singletary last year winning four of their last five games.  Shaun Hill was 5-3 as the starter after going 2-0 last year.  That’s 7-3 with the Niners.  Considering their track record in recent year, I’d say that’s pretty impressive.  Yet, Alex Smith could still challenge him for the starting position.  I think Mike’s a results guy and Hill will ultimately win the starting gig.  Frank Gore looked good at times last year though he missed a couple of games.  Backup DeShaun Foster is a Free Agent.  He may be brought back, but they’d be better off getting some young legs in the draft to be the #2. Isaac Bruce was solid last year, but Father Time can catch up with him at any moment.  Bryant Johnson is an Unrestricted Free Agent.  He didn’t prove much last year and could not be brought back.  Josh Morgan showed some signs last year and will likely land a starting WR spot.  Jason Hill will also be counted on.  Arnaz Battle could get cut.  Vernon Davis may finally have the breakout season if he can stay healthy and motivated.  Mike Martz’s departure should also help.  Delanie Walker is another solid young TE.

On Defense they are led by Patrick Willis (141 tackles).  I don’t do Man Crushes, but Fitz on Offense and Willis on Defense are the closest.  Willis has 315 tackles in two seasons.  Fellow LB Takeo Spikes is an Unrestricted Free Agent.  Having a LB as a Head Coach helps his cause.  I think he’ll return.  The Defense will probably be the main focus this Offseason as Singletary tries to put together a physical team. 

KFFL Free Agent Tracker: