Monday Edition
October 29th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
MNF Quick Notes
With two of the leagues best defenses taking the field, tonight’s matchup will feature more defense than anything else, so expect fantasy points to be tough to come by.
These are my takes for tonight’s Monday Night Matchup.
Running back Frank Gore is going to have a tough go finding yards tonight against the Cardinals stout defense, but he should get plenty of touches tonight to be productive. Gore is averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry and has scored four times this season to go along with his 603 yards rushing. The 49ers ball carrier has three 100-yard rushing games this season and facing the Cardinals 21st ranked defense against the run, he could be in line for possibly another. Even if Gore doesn’t top the century mark, he’ll compile enough numbers with some grabs and a score to get the job done.
The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is nearly impossible to stop, but tonight he lines up against the leagues number one pass defense. Consistency and pass protection will be key if Fitzgerald is going to be a factor tonight. It’s a tough start for Larry Fitz and based on how inconsistent the offense has played of late, it could be feast or famine tonight. The good news, in his last two matchups with the Niners Fitzgerald has enjoyed some success; in particular last season at home with Skelton under center he totaled 7 catches for 149 yards and a score. I’d expect Skelton to look Fitzgerald’s way early and often, the faster he gets involved the more things can open up for the offense.
One of the reasons and components that will help the Cardinals offense succeed tonight is the emergence of wide receiver Andre Roberts. Fitzgerald will get his looks and produce his numbers on the other side, but Roberts is going to help that cause by playing well on his side. Roberts is coming off a fine week 7 effort (7 rec, 103 yards, TD) and should get favorable coverage tonight to be a factor. A couple of grabs and some nice yards won’t propel him into any starting spots on fantasy rosters, but he could make a nice flex play going forward.
Other than their ground attack, the Niners offense doesn’t leave much to be desired. The Cardinals boast a pretty good secondary themselves ranked 4th this season. Alex Smith has regressed the past several weeks with just one touchdown and four picks in his last two starts. The Cardinals are going to bring pressure tonight and try to force Smith to make mistakes. Smith is capable of handling pressure and playing well, but the Niners are a running offense, so numbers by the air are few. Other than tight end Vernon Davis (no catches last week) and wide receiver Michael Crabtree (57 yards receiving in his last two games) who are notable “play at your own risk”, the Niners offense doesn’t boast any fantasy worthy plays at the receiver position at this time.
Since tonight will feature some great defensive play and outstanding IDP’s, it only makes sense to give a shout out to a couple of studs linebackers we will be seeing a lot of tonight. For the Cardinals Daryl Washington is have a great season leading the team with 62 combined tackles and six sacks this season. On the 49ers sideline, NaVorro Bowman is having himself a great season as well, leading the defense with 67 combined tackles. Both must-play studs will be flying all over the field and at the center of all the action tonight. You will undoubtedly hear their names called a lot.
By David Ortega
