49ers vs. Jets: Week 4 Fantasy Football Preview

My apologies if you started any 49ers in last week's game not named Vernon Davis. As soon as San Francisco became a sexy fantasy team, they delivered a typical 2010 performance. No Jimmy Raye sightings were reported, but Mike Singletary's mere presence conjured up the worst for the Niner offense. I could have sworn I spotted Greg Roman wearing an EPMD-esque fisherman's hat.

San Francisco looks to smooth out the wrinkles this week against a defense missing a key player. Normally, you may avoid starting a receiver going against the Jets secondary. Unfortunately, the league's best corner, Darrelle Revis, went down for the season last week. New York's defense now has to adjust to missing their centerpiece. Will the Niners be able to take advantage or will the Jets muster up a confidence building performance and send San Francisco home 2-2.

Outside of Frank Gore and Vernon Davis this games isn't very attractive from a fantasy perspective. Neither offense boasts a wide receiver consistent enough to be match-up proof. Sure, Santonio Holmes and Michael Crabtree are solid WR3/Flex options, but your opponent isn't losing any sleep over them. Let's take a look at the guys you are starting and a few players who might step us and surprise us this week.

New York Jets

Shonn Greene

I didn't miss out on Greene this year in the draft. I avoided him at all cost. Even the idea of him finally having the backfield to himself couldn't attract me. So far, he hasn't changed my mind. This isn't the week he suddenly breaks out. You know the deal here. San Francisco. Run Defense. None Shall Pass.

Final Line: 45 yards rushing, 1 reception for 8 yards.

Santonio Holmes

Another name I avoided in the draft. His ownership percentage has climbed drastically the last two weeks so I guess I wasn't alone. He did have 9 receptions for 147 yards and a TD last week against Miami. Like the Niners, the Dolphins are tough against the run, so Holmes has a chance to do damage again this week.

Final Line: 6 receptions for 80 yards, 1 TD

Mark Sanchez

Sanchez isn't a bad backup fantasy QB, but I can only imagine you are starting him if you own Big Ben or Andrew Luck and need a bye week fill-in. He put up 300 yards last week, but that number will be tough to reach against San Fran.

Final Line 270 yards passing, 2 TD, 1 INT

Sleeper

Jeremy Kerley

Kerley has delivered two very impressive fantasy outings in weeks 1 and 3. If Stephen Hill doesn't suit up Kerley should have more opportunities to perform. The 49ers don't allow many deep passes, but I can see Kerley making a few short to middle range catches and turning them into big gains. He also has a chance to score points via punt returns, which could be useful if the 49ers can convert 3rd downs this seek.

Final Line: 4 receptions for 80 yards, 40 return yards, 1 TD

San Francisco 49ers

Vernon Davis

3 games, 4 touchdowns. One more and Vernon will lead all tight ends in trips to the end zone. No reason to sit Davis this week. Look for him to stay involved in this offense as they try to improve on last week's performance.

Final Line 5 receptions for 75 yards, 1 TD

Frank Gore

Frank didn't get in the end zone last week, but he was able to average just over 5 yards a carry. The Jets rush defense has been forgiving the first 3 weeks. If you own Gore you love his chances to help you win and he should once again bare the load for the rushing attack.

Final Line: 105 yards rushing, 2 receptions for 15 yards, 1 TD

Michael Crabtree

The good news is he is getting targets and receptions. The bad news is that the yardage and touchdowns have been slow to come. The absence of Darrelle Revis improves his chances for a big day, but Cromartie is no slouch. His role in the offense gives him his fair shake of opportunities. Expect more of the same from Crabs this week and maybe even his first TD.

Final Line: 7 receptions for 75 yards. 0 TD

Sleeper

Mario Manningham

Mario is progressing each week. He recently stated that he and the other receivers are still building chemistry with Alex Smith. I expect Cromartie will have Crabtree duty most of the game. Week 4 may not be his breakout week, but if Mario can continue to increase his level of involvement in this offense he could be a popular waiver wire add going into Week 5.

Final Line: 5 receptions for 75 yards, 1 TD

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