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Fantasy Football: Early San Francisco 49ers Stock Watch for 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a pass during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a pass during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Wide Receiver Torrey Smith

In 2015, wide receiver Torrey Smith endured career-low numbers in receiving yards (663) and touchdowns (four), which might plummet his draft-day value in fantasy leagues.

With veteran wideout Anquan Boldin unsigned, and likely not returning to San Francisco, Smith will emerge as the top receiving option for the 49ers offense. And this is a very good thing under head coach Chip Kelly.

Kelly prizes speed and solid route-running — two areas in which Smith thrives.

There may still be concerns for Smith owners though. First, which quarterback is going to get him the ball? Will it be Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert? And if the Niners lack a complementary receiver, will opposing defenses lock down on Smith as the team’s primary offensive threat through the air?

Smith may wind up being a feast-or-famine fantasy option this season, but he should see a significant increase in production under Kelly’s offense compared to last year.

As such, Smith is well worth a mid-to-late round flier in standard leagues.

Fantasy Projection: Smith shouldn’t be considered a No. 1 wide receiver option on your team but may be worth consideration as a No. 2 guy, flex or backup receiver. And Smith’s production last season should help him fall into the later rounds of your fantasy draft.

Next: Running Back Jarryd Hayne