IF DREW Bledsoe doesn’t get hurt in 2001, does Tom Brady ever get the chance to lead the Patriots to their improbable Super Bowl upset of the Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf?
Does the Greatest Show on Turf ever open its tents, if Kurt Warner doesn’t step in for injured Trent Green?
And of course, there’s Yankees first baseman Wally Pip, who sat down for one game in 1925 only to see Lou Gehrig step in, then play 2,130 consecutive games.
Could Alex Smith be Colin Kaepernick’s Wally Pip? The 49ers backup QB filled in vs. the Bears last week for Smith, who suffered a concussion in the Week 10 tie vs. the Rams.
Smith led the resurgent Niners to the NFC title game last year, and perhaps two punt-team turnovers from the Super Bowl. He was headed for his best career season, after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2005. Yet, he still was looked upon by many pundits as a game manager.
More mobile and with a stronger arm, Kaepernick potentially can make better use of deep threats Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. Opposing teams don’t have as much film on him, therefore can’t gameplan to emphasize yet-to-be-identified weaknesses.
And not to be forgotten, Smith suffered a concussion just two weeks ago. Smith has been cleared by the 49ers’ medical staff. Maybe he is ready to step back under center. But why risk it if you’re the Niners? Kaepernick threw two TDs and no picks against the heralded Bears defense last week. This week he gets the league-worst Saints.
There’s no reason to believe Kaepernick can’t best his fantasy output of last week. And by making the Niners more explosive on offense, he is the best option to keep up if the game turns into a shootout, like last season’s Divisional playoff game at Candlestick.
If you’re relying on Philip Rivers or if trying to fill a gap caused by Michael Vick, Kaepernick is a wonderful holiday gift this week.
BIG WEEKS
Chad Henne, QB, Jaguars, vs. Titans
Coming off monster game vs. Texans, subbing for injured Blaine Gabbert. The Titans should pose even less resistance. Should give boost to rookie WR Justin Blackmon as well.
Vick Ballard, RB, Colts, vs. Bills
The rookie RB has burned us in weeks past despite favorable matchups. But his share of carries vs. backfield mate Donald Brown is increasing (had 12 more last week). Bills defense yields more fantasy points to RBs than any other.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG, vs. Packers
Seems like a no-brainer, but it’s been so longer since he was relevant, a reminder seemed in order. He’s healthy coming off bye week, and a game could turn into shootout.
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers, at Saints
After disappearing for nearly a month, there was a Davis sighting last week — with Colin Kaepernick filling in at QB for Alex Smith. With Kaepernick at the helm again this week, Davis should get plenty of looks vs. the porous Saints.
SMALL WEAKS
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers, vs. Ravens
It’s been an awful fantasy season for this once every-week starter. He has topped 20 fantasy points just twice. Though the Ravens’ defense isn’t as stout as years past, it still ranks as the sixth-stingiest vs. opposing fantasy QBs.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks, at Dolphins
Seahawks are a different team on the road — and there’s no NFL road longer than the one between Seattle and Miami. The Dolphins’ run defense is stout (just 3.8 yards per carry allowed), and if Seattle falls behind, they may have to abandon run.
Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers, vs. Falcons
Atlanta defends the pass much better that it does the run. If Tampa Bay is to win, it will need to lean on RB Doug Martin, not the air attack.
Heath Miller, TE, Steelers, at Browns
Cleveland has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs of any team this season. Add the fact the Steelers will go with third-string QB Charlie Batch, and the Pittsburgh air attack looks to fly pretty low.
The Decision
Drew Loftis and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger tell you who you should start:
RONNIE HILLMAN vs. TRENT RICHARDSON
Drew: Hillman — With QB Peyton Manning to focus of defenses, expect the running game to barely miss a beat in the wake of Willis McGahee’s knee injury. Hillman is in line to be the main beneficiary, and is used in the passing game. Not high on Richardson’s matchup against Steelers defense.
Anthony: Richardson — The Browns are committed to giving Richardson the rock, even if it is against a stingy Steelers defense. He is averaging just around 25 carries and 107 yards in his past three games, and I expect that trend to continue. Not to be discounted, I just traded away Richardson in one league, so he is bound to get karmic revenge with a monster effort.
Last week: Anthony 5 (Jason Campbell — 107 pass yards, 1 pass TDs, 2 INTs, 13 rush yards), Drew 4 (Nick Foles — 204 pass yards, 2 INTs)
Season: Drew leads, 6-3-1
dloftis@nypost.com