Getty Images
The San Francisco 49ers will be glad to have their No. 1 WR back for the 2014 season. Michael Crabtree missed much of last year after undergoing surgery on a torn Achilles tendon last May, but look for him to bounce back this year. Crabtree’s fantasy football value has dropped due to his down year in 2013, but he has a good chance to finish this season as a high-end WR2 with upside.
Positives:
Crabtree built a strong rapport with Colin Kaepernick once he became the starting QB during the 49ers’ 2012 Super Bowl run. During the last five regular season games in 2012, Crabtree was targeted 11 times per game and racked up over 500 yards and four TDs. Upon returning from his injury last season, Crabtree had a slow start, averaging only 6.6 targets per game over the last five.
However, his targets per game increased to 9.3 during the postseason, and Crabtree should see plenty of targets in 2014.
The 49ers are a run-first team, but that is dependent on a stout defense. The defense may be without two of their most important players for part of 2014, LBs NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith. Bowman tore his ACL and MCL and will miss the start of this season, but there is no guarantee that he will be immediately effective upon his return. Smith faces potential prison time or suspension by the league due to legal issues.
If both miss time, the 49ers may be throwing the ball a lot more than they did in 2013, and Crabtree’s stats could benefit tremendously.
Negatives:
While Crabtree has arguably the best connection with Kaepernick among the 49ers receivers, he will face more competition this year. Since his injury, San Francisco has added some talented receiving options from what they had back in 2012 when Crabtree posted such dominant stats. He will now share targets with WRs Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson, as well as TE Vernon Davis.
Additionally, all three other teams in the NFC West have strengthened their defenses considerably in the past few years. Lower production in these divisional matchups is a cause for concern. In four games played against divisional opponents last year (including the NFC championship game against the Seattle Seahawks), Crabtree was held to an average of 47 yards and no TDs.
Final Verdict:
Crabtree is a clear No. 1 WR target for Kaepernick and should see plenty of targets in 2014. While he isn’t quite in the tier of elite WRs in fantasy, Crabtree should post solid WR2 numbers despite a run-first offense. If the defense regresses at all, he has the upside to return to glory and repeat his 2012 stats.
Bye Week: 8
Projected Round: 5
Auction Value: $11
Meng Song is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ms0ng, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your Google+ network.
