Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Conference Championship weekend is not short of tight end options for your fantasy football playoff challenge but the number one option may be unexpected. Vernon Davis has served as an effective blocker in the San Francisco 49ers power running game more so than as a fantasy tight end over the past two seasons.
San Francisco only chooses to break out their most talented receiving option when their season is on the line. In the 2011 playoffs, Davis exploded for 292 yards and four touchdowns in two games after a mediocre fantasy season.
If you need more convincing, the Atlanta Falcons have surrendered 23 receptions, 340 yards and three touchdowns in four games against read-option offenses this season. Just last week, Atlanta allowed eight catches, 142 yards and a touchdown to the combination of Russell Wilson and Zach Miller.
That’s an alarming stat considering they will face a bigger, faster and more talented duo in Davis and Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick ran wild for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the Divisional Round last week meaning that Atlanta has no choice but to dedicate their resources toward stopping him. While they overcompensate for Kaepernick’s speed and the imposing San Francisco ground attack, Davis will be finding holes in the middle of the defense. Atlanta will be forced to reduce their pass rush and stay in their gaps to protect against the threat of the run.
Those participating in the fantasy football playoff challenge would be wise to select Davis over the more intriguing options of Tony Gonzalez and Aaron Hernandez. Davis has a considerable chance to replicate his success from last year’s postseason in an appealing matchup on Sunday.
