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Boser’s Tweetbeat – Sifting through the hashtags to bring you the hottest trending Twitter topics in the Fantasy Football industry.
By Ryan Boser
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A Kick in the Teeth?
The NFL’s decision to move kickoffs up from the 30 to the 35-yard line has been widely criticized by coaches, players, and fans alike. Touchbacks are boring, and more importantly, they deprive us of fantasy scoring opportunities. Last season roughly 16 percent of kickoffs resulted in touchbacks — that number is expected to double in 2011. Furthermore, it’s been speculated that there will be an emphasis on kickoff height, giving coverage units extra time to swarm. So how exactly will this rule change affect fantasy football? Well, unless your league awards points for return yards, the impact will be minimal. The odds of that pleasantly unexpected six-pointer from guys like Percy Harvin or Jacoby Ford just took a hit, but you shouldn’t be banking on those perks anyways.
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The Quarterback Shuffle
Now that the Super Bowl buzz has subsided, Michael Vick has reclaimed his throne from Aaron Rodgers as the No. 1 2011 fantasy quarterback. What’s more interesting is the range at which he’s been drafted. In nearly 40 expert mocks run by the fine folks at FantasyFootballWhiz.com and ProFootballFocus.com, he’s been selected everywhere from No. 1 to No. 26. I can’t recall a more polarizing fantasy prospect. I find myself trending towards the low end of the spectrum — outstanding quarterback value can be found in rounds 4-6.
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Trade Winds
Now that Andy Reid is reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for backup quarterback Kevin Kolb, we can safely begin to discuss his fantasy impact as a starter. Where? Take your pick — his name has been tied to speculation in Tennessee, Carolina, San Francisco, Minnesota, Cleveland, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Arizona. Of the eight teams mentioned, no player stands to gain more than Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The addition of a quarterback who can put a ball in his general vicinity would likely propel his fantasy draft stock back to where it belongs — among the top three wide receivers.
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Gold Rush
The fantasy stock of San Francisco’s passing game has seen an uptick since the hiring of Jim Harbaugh in January. For now, we have to assume Alex Smith will return as quarterback, although that could obviously change depending on how April’s draft plays out. In particular, tight end Vernon Davis’ and wide receiver Michael Crabtree’s ADPs are pointing up. Davis belongs in the top five at his position, regardless of coach or quarterback, but I’m still leery of Crabtree. He’s shown us very little at the NFL level, and his size/speed combination is nothing special. In 27 career games, he’s topped 81 yards just twice, and he’s only scored eight times. Moreover, he’s caught just 55% of his targets (103/187), and averaged a mundane 13.3 yards per catch. Does that seem like mid-round value to you?
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Ryan Boser is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA), and regularly contributes writing and commentary to numerous media outlets. Ryan’s own website, Out of My League, covers both fantasy football and the Minnesota sports landscape.

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The fantasy playoffs continued as the Chargers destroyed the 49ers last night.
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Having players go in the Thursday night games gives you a little bit of an advantage. If your players do well, you can perhaps be a little more cautious with your team. If your players failed to put up good numbers, perhaps you will want to take a bigger risk, hoping to make up some ground. You also get a feel for your matchup depending on how your opponents players did. Let’s take a look at how fantasy owners will be feeling about their players.
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Quarterbacks:  Philip Rivers (273 yards, three touchdowns) didn’t have Antonio Gates or Malcom Floyd in his arsenal, but it did not matter. He just reunited with an old flame in Vincent Jackson to put on a clinic. If you used Alex Smith (165 yards, INT), you’re in some serious trouble.
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Running Backs: There were four possible running back choices in this one. Mike Tolbert (46 yards, TD) was the top ranked of the quartet and he delivered the best score. Brian Westbrook (30 total yards, TD) did well enough for those of you who took a chance on him. Ryan Mathews (56 yards) was OK, while Anthony Dixon (35 total yards) was a letdown.
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Wide Receivers:  Vincent Jackson (112 yards, 3 TDs) was a beast. I bumped him into the top 15 when news broke of Floyd and Gates inactive status. I just wish I bumped him higher. Josh Morgan (106 yards) once again was the top wide receiver threat. He has becoming one of those unheralded players that make fantasy football playoffs legends. Michael Crabtree (17 yards) was a dud. Legedu Naanee was a major letdown.
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Tight Ends: Vernon Davis (4 yards) was nearly invisible. Tough break for his fantasy owners. You’ll have to make up those points. Randy McMichael (55 yards) did an admirable job filling in for Gates.
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Kickers:  Nate Kaeding kicked two field goals (25, 39) and had four PATs. Solid start. Jeff Reed was held to one lonely PAT.
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Defenses:  San Diego was a beast holding the Niners to seven points. They racked up six sacks and forced on turnover (INT). The Niners got blitzed allowing 34 points. They had just one sack and did not force a turnover.
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Also check out:

• Week 15 Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em Waiver Wire Advice
• Week 15 Fantasy QB Rankings
• Week 15 Fantasy RB Rankings
• Week 15 Fantasy WR Rankings
• Week 15 Fantasy TE Rankings
• Week 15 Fantasy K Rankings
• Week 15 Fantasy DEF Rankings
• Week 15 Fantasy IDP Rankings
• Week 15 Start/Sit Advice

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.

The 49ers are and interesting team.  It’s a shame they were saddled with the Alex Smith contract.  He’s case and point why the rookie pay scale needs to be adjusted.  He didn’t pick up Mike Martz’s Offense and was replaced by J.T. O’Sullivan as the starter.  I’m sorry but you cant’ feel too confident in J.T. as your Week 1 starting QB.  Frank Gore should bounce back from a somewhat disappointing season.  He had 1500 total yards, but he only scored 6 TDs.  If those are down numbers, that’s the kind of guy I want on my team.  Of course if Martz ignores him, like he’s been known to do in the past, Gore’s production could suffer.  The Niners brought in DeShaun Foster to spell Gore and provide a speedy change-of-pace.  Foster is great in a limited role and should be a nice addition.  The Niners also added two new starting WRs in Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson.  They should be an upgrade over Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie.  Arnaz Battle was their leading receiver last year, and should be heavily involved as well.  At Tight End Vernon Davis is a monster that could finally have his breakout year.  He, perhaps more than anybody, has the ability to change the complexion of this Offense.

Defensively I have just two words.  Patrick Willis.  He is SO GOOD.  He had 174 Tackles and 4 Sacks last year.  Talk about a one-man wrecking crew.  Takeo Spikes came aboard to help out.  Nate Clements signed to a big free agent contract before last season and he held up his side of the bargain with 92 Tackles and 4 INTs.  Fellow CB Walt Harris picked off four passes as well.  Strong Safety Michael Lewis came over from Philly and recorded 104 Tackles.  Justin Smith came over from Cincy to provide pressure on the QB.

The 49ers could win the NFC West or finish in last.  That’s how wide open the Division is.  If their Offense clicks and everyone stays healthy they could be the surprise team they were supposed to be last year.  That said, I’m predicting 7 Wins from them.  I just can’t be inspired by their QBs.

Fantasy-wise Frank Gore is a top end RB.  He may not score a ton of TDs, but he piles up the yardage.  Both Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson are worthy of being on your fantasy team bench at wideout.  Vernon Davis is worth a shot as a starter.  If you are in a league with IDPs, Patrick Willis is a must.