On the physical gridiron in 2012, Colin Kaepernick was a Super Bowl-starting, as well as a top-three quarterback according to certain highly cited metrics (i.e. Total QBR).
In 2013, how do those achievements translate in fantasy football?
Kaepernick rocketed up into the upper echelons of fantasy quarterback rankings after his illustrious campaign last season. He combined for 2,558 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes, 498 rushing yards and five touchdown runs in just eight regular season and three playoff starts. Highlights included a four passing-touchdown game against the New England Patriots (not to mention the game winner) and a 181-yard, two rushing-touchdown playoff performance against the Green Bay Packers, which subsequently set an all-time NFL record.
He has now earned himself the status as a high-round, high-value QB in all fantasy leagues.
Polling consensus opinions from reputable fantasy sources around the web, one easily discerns than Kaepernick’s value lies well into the top 10. We couldn’t agree more.
Kap is worth at least the ninth overall pick in keeper and dynasty leagues. Drafting him as high as No. 7 still brings great value. In re-draft leagues, selecting him from eighth to No. 4 overall affords fantasy owners with similarly appropriate value.
Forecasting a year-end production upwards of 4,000 total yards and 30 total touchdowns is more than a reasonable projection. The league’s most powerful offensive line, triple-headed rushing attack of Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James and outside weapons Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis will certainly aid in that development—as will the Kaepernick-led read-option.
No. 7 is quite possibly the most skilled and dynamic gunslinger in the NFL. This includes dual-threat sensations Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson.
Kaepernick may not be the No. 1 overall QB in the realm of fantasy football. But he sure is inching his way up there, starting with top-five status in many leagues this season.
*Relevant Note: This is just his second year as a starting NFL quarterback. The sky’s the limit for Mr. Kaepernick.
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