Waiver Wire Walker-Championship Edition #1

Dec 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Crabtree WR SF (33.2% Owned)
Following being one of the 2012 playoff’s most potent wide outs (Crabtree caught 20 passes for 285 yards and 3 TDs in 3 playoff games), Crabtree was unfortunately injured and was forced to miss the majority of the 2013 season with a torn achilles tendon. However, after a 12 week hiatus, Crabtree has returned, perhaps not as strong as last season, but still a dominant force in this San Francisco passing game. In the past 3 weeks Crabtree has caught for 153 yards on 11 receptions, including a 45-yard, 1 touchdown performance last week against the Buccaneers. Crabtree’s touchdown from Kaepernick ensured fantasy owners and 49ers fans that the Kaepernick-Crabtree connection has been reignited and that we should see some more fireworks as the season comes to an end. This week in particular, the 49ers are hosts to the 4-10 Atlanta Falcons and their 25th ranked passing defense. 2013 for the Falcons has been a season of challenge. After losing Julio Jones for the season, the Falcons offense has sputtered, ranking last in the league in rushing with 79.3 yards per game and 22nd in scoring with only 22.1 points per game scored. Their non-existent defense hasn’t helped matters either. The Atlanta squad ranks 27th in the league in points per game allowed with 27.7 points per game allowed to go along with 29th ranked defense that has allowed 386.3 yards per game to opposing offenses. With that in mind, this week for Crabtree and the Falcons should be a doozy (a doozy meaning a really easy week). They’ll be playing in Candlestick against a pass defense that has allowed 22.4 fantasy points per game to opposing receivers (ranked 21st in the league), including 325 yards and 2 TDs to Redskins receivers last Sunday. This week I expect big things from the former Texas Tech Red Raider. Other than 11-year veteran Anquan Boldin and TE Vernon Davis, Crabtree doesn’t have much competition this Sunday and thus should be able to catch for some considerable yardage. I expect over 100+ with perhaps a touchdown or two sprinkled in there.