Week 16: Pickups of the Week
QB Alex Smith, ---
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Smith had an abysmal first half showing against the Eagles on Sunday. He came out flat, looked rattled by the pressure and couldn't find his targets, going 7-for-17 with three interceptions. The second half, however, was a promising turnaround as Smith picked up the pieces and put up a solid 13-for-20 with a touchdown. His overall week 15 numbers were poor, but there's no reason for Smith owners to worry. In week 16, the 49ers will face a Detroit Lions team that is the worst in the league at stopping the pass – and even that shameful distinction doesn't begin to do justice to just how friendly this team has been to visiting quarterbacks. The Lions have already allowed 31 touchdowns against only 9 interceptions. At almost 270 yards per game and a 107.1 QB rating on average, they're conceding MVP-calibre numbers to each quarterback they face. Look for Smith to exploit them yet again on Sunday.
RB Michael Bush, ---
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This is a tough situation to call. Fargas tops the depth chart right now, but injured his knee and might not be ready to go in week 16. McFadden is the big name, and you know Oakland brass would love to see him succeed. Bush is the dark horse of the group – given no credit, but keeps performing when called upon. Bush and McFadden both saw plenty of action against the Broncos and would probably share carries again this week against the Browns if Fargas can't go. As the clearer goal line option (and coming off a 133-yard performance last week), Bush has an edge in fantasy value. Stash him on your bench for now and check back in on Fargas' status closer to game time.
RB Jerome Harrison, DET
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The Kansas City match-up looked tantalizing on paper and Harrison didn't disappoint, but none of us could have predicted the manner in which this fourth-year back devoured yardage last weekend. Harrison had only a single 100-yard rushing game on his resume going into week 15 before stepping up and making a complete mockery of the Chiefs' defense. His 286 rushing yards were a franchise record – a record previously held by the sainted and revered Jim Brown – and three rushing touchdowns helped round out a lavish fantasy scoring line. Chris Jennings still lurks in the backfield mix, but after a performance like this, there's no reason for any sane coach (or Mangini) to sit Harrison against a Raiders defense that's giving up 149 yards per game and has surrendered a league worst 20 touchdowns to opposing runners. Harrison has already vaulted some teams into the fantasy finals and he could now be the key to a few fantasy championships this week.
WR Josh Morgan, ---
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Michael Crabtree might be getting all the attention from media, opposing defenses and fantasy owners, but lately Josh Morgan's been the one getting all the attention from his quarterback. He's been targeted 29 times in the last four weeks and has hauled in two touchdown passes in that time. Morgan has emerged from the wide receiver logjam to claim the starting flanker job – a job he wrested from the capable hands of future Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce. There are plenty of other options on this offense and not enough balls to go around in most weeks with Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis all fighting for the rock. Against teams like the Lions (week 16) and the Rams (week 17), the 49ers can afford to spread the wealth and keep everyone happy…and the happiest one might be the oft-forgotten Morgan.
TE Jermichael Finley, ---
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Finley has gone over 70 yards receiving in each of his last three games and his nine catches in week 15 were a career-high. He's been rolling since the onset of the cold weather and should be a big factor in this week's game against Seattle. Based on last week's performance, the Seahawks seem to have packed it in. While being abused in all facets of the game by Tampa Bay, they gave up a note-worthy six catches for 94 yards to tight end Kellen Winslow. Finley will have every opportunity to put up similar numbers this Sunday. Snow is already in the forecast in Green Bay and the big, sure-handed receiver will get plenty of looks if wintry conditions shut down the Packers' deep passing game.
