Vernon Davis Week 9 vs. Rams
Now completely healed up, Vernon Davis should be ready to shine again. He had three catches for 30 yards against the Rams a few weeks ago working on a bad leg. St. Louis has been tough on opposing tight ends this season, allowing just two TDs, but don't bet against Davis. He should re-emerge as a fantasy force in the second half.
Vernon Davis Week 7 vs. Broncos
Vernon Davis played all but two snaps last week in his return to the lineup. And though he caught just three passes for 30 yards, it was better than nothing. Denver has allowed some big games by opposing tight ends this season in both receptions - 12 last week - and yards - 130 against Kansas City. Davis is good enough to exploit that. He should be a decent tight end play this week with some obvious upside.
Vernon Davis Week 6 vs. Rams
Vernon Davis could be ready to finally get back onto the field after missing most of the past three weeks. That's the good news. The bad news is that he faces a St. Louis defense that has been tough on opposing tight ends, allowing just one TD this season. The Rams also haven't allowed more than 56 yards to opposing tight ends. Davis can beat any defense, when he's healthy. But he's clearly still not himself just yet. I would suggest looking elsewhere for at least another week.
Vernon Davis Week 5 vs. Chiefs
After coming back from an ankle injury - though he had just two catches for eight yards - Vernon Davis is now dealing with a back injury that has kept him out of practice Wednesday and Thursday. Keep an eye on his practice situation, but he could wind up being a game-time decision. If he plays, he could be good. Kansas City hasn't given up a lot of yards or catches to opposing tight ends, but the Chiefs have allowed four tight end touchdowns.
Vernon Davis Week 4 vs. Eagles
Vernon Davis is at least practicing on a limited basis with the ankle injury that kept him out last week. But the 49ers seem to feel like he's making progress. If he plays this week, he has a decent matchup against a Philadelphia pass defense allowing 280 yards per game. Watch Friday's practice report and hope he gives it a go, otherwise, he could be a game-time decision.
Vernon Davis Week 3 vs. Cardinals
When you rely on touchdown catches from a player such as Vernon Davis, you're going to have some down games. Davis had one last week, catching just three passes for 39 yards. He's dealing with a deep ankle bruise and could wind up being a game-time decision. Keep an eye on the situation. The Cardinals have allowed 16 tight end receptions in their first two games for nearly 200 yards and a score.
Vernon Davis Week 2 vs Bears
Vernon Davis is the new Cris Carter. All he does is catch touchdown passes. He had two more last week on four receptions for 44 yards. The trouble is that if he doesn't score, he's giving you very little with those kind of numbers. Luckily, he is option No. 1 in the red zone for San Francisco. Davis has caught 15 of Colin Kaepernick's last 23 TD passes. Davis is a must-start in all formats.
Vernon Davis Week 1 vs Cowboys
Only one NFL team allowed more fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2013 than Dallas. Davis was pretty much a touchdown machine last season, scoring at least touchdown in 11 of 16 games. You drafted him to produce in these kind of games.
Fantasy Upside
Vernon Davis finished 2013 as fantasy football's No. 2 tight end behind Jimmy Graham after scoring 13 touchdowns, the second time in his career he's scored 13 times.
Fantasy Downside
Unlike Graham, Davis plays in a run-first offense, limiting his value in PPR and yardage leagues.
Bottom Line
After being the forgotten man in 2012, Davis bounced back with 52 receptions for 850 yards and the 13 scores. But Davis is up-and-down. He had nine games with three or fewer catches in 2013, though he scored in 11 games. Because of his usage, Davis is being drafted 63rd overall in most leagues. There are better tight end options available at that point in the draft. We wouldn't consider Davis.
