There likely isn't going to be a whole heck of a lot decided in this one. Colin Kaepernick will not play that long, as the San Francisco 49ers give the four quarterbacks (yes, FOUR) behind him a shot at earning the primary backup gig. Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Christian Ponder is about as relevant in fantasy football circles as Taco from The League.
Still, there are a few different things to look at here.
San Francisco 49ers Backup Running Back Battle
Kendall Hunter will see game action for the first time since last November. The third-year running back has been mighty impressive when he has seen action in his first two NFL seasons and is currently listed as Frank Gore's primary backup. With Gore likely only making a cameo in this one, Hunter will battle it out with second-year stud LaMichael James, who Jim Harbaugh has indicated is San Francisco's most improved player from a season ago.
James has put up 42 yards on 13 carries in San Francisco's first two preseason games. The former Oregon standout represents solid late-round value in deeper redraft leagues and could be a stud in dynasty/keeper leagues. It is, however, likely that the 49ers will utilize a committee approach behind Gore in 2013. That limits the productivity from both these youngsters. In addition, rookie Marcus Lattimore is the most likely option to take over for Gore long term. Lattimore will likely sit out the entire 2013 season as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered last year at South Carolina.
Cordarrelle Patterson's Emergence in Minnesota
Many dratniks, myself included, came to the conclusion that Patterson was more of a project pick towards the back end of the first round this past April. While super talented, the Tennessee product left a lot to be desired in terms of route running and push off the line against press. This showed up and was magnified a great deal on tape.
Through two preseason games, these issues seem to have been somewhat fixed during the offseason and training camp. Patterson has been mighty impressive thus far. He has six receptions for over 70 yards on 10 targets in Minnesota's initial two outings of the summer. Will he beat out Greg Jennings as Ponders' favorite target at wide receiver? If so, what will his redraft value be heading into the season? A lot of this might depend on the quarterback, who has been less-than-impressive thus far in camp. As you already know, a receivers' fantasy value is directly tied to the success of the guy throwing him the passes. As it is, Patterson might represent some solid value in redraft leagues. In addition, he promises to be a dynasty stud.
Continued Improvement from Vernon Davis in San Francisco
If it isn't Colin Kaepernick receiving praise in Santa Clara this summer, Davis is the man that everyone is talking about. This freak of an athlete struggled making a connection with Kaepernick during the 2012 regular season, but stepped up big time in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. With Michael Crabtree out until at least November, there will be plenty of targets to go around for San Francisco. If targeted a great deal, Davis has a chance to become one of the top-three fantasy tight ends in the NFL this season.
He has one catch for 12 yards in limited playing time thus far this preseason. Expect that to change tonight against Minnesota, as San Francisco prepares to play its starters (Kaepernick not included) a lot more than in its two previous preseason outings.
Where in the World is Kyle Rudolph?
You would expect the check-down king himself, Christian Ponder, to target his tight ends more, but that hasn't been the case as of yet. Rudolph had three catches on four targets against the Buffalo Bills last week, but hasn't been looked to a great deal thus far. In order for the former Notre Dame standout to make a huge fantasy impact in 2013, Ponder will need to look in his direction more. The issue here is that San Francisco's defense is among the best in the NFL as it relates to covering tight end. With NaVorro Bowman seeing more action tonight, don't expect a whole heck of a lot of success for Rudolph.