Fantasy Fallout: QB change allows Kaepernick to make headlines for his play
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Here are the fantasy implications of Colin Kaepernick being named the San Francisco 49ers' starting QB in time for Week 6:
After drawing the spotlight for his social activism this season, Kaepernick will get the chance to make the news for his on-field work, beginning Sunday against Buffalo.
Blaine Gabbert started San Francisco's first five games, and didn't contribute much though the air, throwing five TDs to six interceptions and averaging 178 yards passing per contest. He is now 9-31 as a starter in his NFL career.
Gabbert's running ability helped offset his limitations as a passer, as he totaled 172 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Kaepernick's legs will undoubtedly get a workout, as Gabbert's 39 total rush attempts led all quarterbacks. In his career, Kaepernick has averaged just over 32 rushing yards per game, with 11 touchdowns.
While he has never thrown more than 21 touchdowns in a 16-game season, Kaepernick offers more upside than Gabbert as a passer; his career average of 7.37 yards per attempt is far greater than Gabbert's mark of 6.02. Given the limitations of the San Francisco offense, however, Kaepernick is best served as a bye-week fill-in or matchup-dependent daily fantasy play.
Internal impact
Having Kaepernick under center should revive the prospects of deep threat WR Torrey Smith, who has been held to a 9-106-1 receiving line thus far. Last season was Smith's first with the 49ers, and his two biggest games in terms of yardage (120 and 96) came with Kaepernick at the helm. Smith had three touchdowns longer than 70 yards; two were thrown by Kaepernick.
Aside from Smith, RB Carlos Hyde and slot receiver Jeremy Kerley, no other San Francisco players are fantasy-relevant. Hyde has scored six touchdowns already, while also setting a new career-high with 13 receptions in just five games. In 21 games prior to 2016, he had only caught 23 passes.
Kerley has been a surprisingly productive PPR asset, with a 26-304-2 receiving line thus far. Unless Kaepernick checks down as often as Gabbert did, the ex-Jet's gaudy catch totals may take a hit.
The short-term schedule is favorable
Gabbert absorbed the bulk of San Francisco's difficult matchups (road trips to Carolina and Seattle, a home game against Arizona), so Kaepernick happens to have a friendly upcoming schedule on his side.
Following the trip to Buffalo, San Francisco has home games against Tampa Bay and New Orleans with a Week 8 bye sandwiched in between.
With Cam Newton having a bye in Week 7, and the likes of Tom Brady, Carson Palmer and Kirk Cousins off in Week 9, Kaepernick can serve as a viable replacement for any number of idle fantasy passers.