Fantasy Update: 49ers’ Alex Smith Ignites Offense, Takes Starting Job?

While all the eyes were originally on rookie Michael Crabtree’s debut, everyone was eventually talking about Alex Smith’s inspired play after replacing ineffective starting quarterback Shaun Hill after half-time.

After Hill took two sacks and threw for under 100 yards in a scoreless first half against the Houston Texans, head coach Mike Singletary benched him in favor of Smith, searching for a spark.

Smith delivered that spark, tossing three touchdowns (all to tight end Vernon Davis), in a near comeback, an eventual 24-21 loss to the Texans.

Coach Singletary has not come to a decision on whether there will be a chance at the position, but his lack of commitment to Hill, along with Smith’s impressive performance, should tell it all.

If Smith does indeed claim the starting job, his new found confidence and clear ability in what was formerly a stagnant passing attack could make him a quality QB2.