Posted by travis in 
As the first pick in the 2005 draft, Alex Smith looked like he was destined for greatness in the NFL. Yet after playing in nine games as a rookie, he had one touchdown and 11 interceptions under his belt. His first full season as a starter in 2006 was less than stellar as he averaged less than 200 yards a game threw a touchdown to go with every interception (16/16). After injuries in 2007 and 2008 severely limited his playing time the 49ers let it be known they were planning on cutting Smith prior to the start of the 2009 season. They kept him around only after he agreed to restructure his contract and take a substantial pay cut.
The former Utah star was widely considered a bust. Now it looks like Alex Smith could be the missing link for fantasy players everywhere.
Ever since taking over for the ineffective Shaun Hill in the 2nd half of week 7 against the Texans, Alex Smith has been playing- well, not great- but he has been pretty good.
Stats through week 12:
Att Cmp Yds TD Int
Smith, Alex SF 196 122 1267 11 7
In 5 games as a starter Smith has averaged over 210 yards passing, almost 2 touchdowns, and one interception. When he stepped in for Hill against the Texans he passed for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns in just one half! These are not stats that will win the game for you, but they will not lose it for you either. If you are one of the many that played Ben Roethlisberger last week 200 yards and 2 TDs look pretty good!
With the matchups the 49ers are set to face during the fantasy playoffs Smith stands to post even better numbers than he has been. In week 14 they face the Cardinals who have allowed nearly 260 yards passing a game to go with 16 touchdowns. Week 15 is a little tougher against the Eagles and their top ten passing defense. However, for the fantasy league championship in week 16 the 49ers face off against the worst passing defense in the league. The clawless Lions have allowed over 280 yards a game, 27 touchdowns, and have only picked off 6 passes.
With fantasy studs like Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner suffering from concussions and Peyton Manning and Drew Brees possibly being rested, Alex Smith could go from being this year’s Mr. Fantasy Irrelevant to a fantasy MVP.
