Sports

Niners WR in prime position for breakout

Sometimes it takes some time for a heralded draft prospect to realize his potential in the NFL.

Carolina’s Steve Smith, drafted to return kicks, didn’t register monster numbers until his third season. After stints with Miami and San Diego, it wasn’t until Wes Welker arrived in New England in his fourth year that he blossomed into a fantasy juggernaut. Roddy White didn’t register a significant impact until his third season, ditto Vincent Jackson. It took eight seasons before Brandon Lloyd became a fantasy factor.

So just because Michael Crabtree has been underwhelming in two-plus seasons doesn’t mean he is doomed to forever disappoint. With the loss of Josh Morgan and the rise to, well, to mediocrity by QB Alex Smith, as well as a body that finally is healthy, Crabtree at last is in a position to make an impact.

Two weeks ago in Detroit, before last week’s bye, Crabtree was targeted 15 times out of 32 attempts by Smith. If Crabtree continues to get such preferential treatment, his numbers will rise dramatically in the weeks to come.

Tomorrow could be a challenge against a Browns pass defense that has allowed less than 220 yards through the air per game. But take a look at the quarterbacks the Browns have faced thus far — rookie Andy Dalton (Bengals) in the opening week; Kerry Collins (Colts), who was later benched for the immortal Curtis Painter; Chad Henne (Dolphins); Matt Hasselbeck (Titans), who threw three TD passes; Jason Campbell and Kyle Boller (Raiders); and Charlie Whitehurst (Seahawks). Suddenly, what statistically appears to be a sound pass defense looks more like a unit that has faced paltry competition.

Between now and Week 16, the 49ers will face exactly two pass defenses that rank in the top half of the league in pass yards allowed, and one of those is a weak Rams squad that routinely falls behind early. So not only should Crabtree be a strong bye-week fill-in tomorrow, he should give you a playable asset the rest of the season.

BIG WEEKS

John Beck, QB
Redskins, at Bills

Beck has shown some upside, sandwiched around a bad first half last week vs. the Panthers. The Bills have been generous to opposing quarterbacks.

DeMarco Murray, RB
Cowboys, at Eagles

Until Felix Jones comes back, consider Murray an every-week starter, regardless of the matchup. And we’re not convinced Jones will reclaim the starting job, assuming Murray continues to perform well.

Nate Washington
WR, Titans, vs. Colts

The Colts have the misfortune of facing the Titans the week after Tennessee’s embarrassing loss to the Texans.

Pierre Thomas, RB
Saints, at Rams

Mark Ingram (heel) is out. Though Darren Sproles likely will be the biggest producer out of the Saints backfield, the Rams matchup should afford plenty of fantasy points to go around.

Bernard Scott, RB
Bengals, at Seahawks

Could be decent bye-week filler, subing for suspended Cedric Benson, but bear in mind Seattle has been strong vs. the run, and Brian Leonard could steal goal-line carries.

SMALL WEAKS

Matt Schaub, QB
Texans, vs. Jaguars

If Andre Johnson can’t go, Schaub & Co. could have trouble moving the ball through the air vs. an underrated Jacksonville defense, which allows a league-low 128 passing yards a game, and has six INTs to offset just four passing TDs alllowed.

Knowshon Moreno, RB
Broncos, vs. Lions

With Willis McGahee out, expect Moreno to get the bulk of the carries. However, Lance Ball could still some work. Detroit’s weakness primarily has been through the air (16 pass TDs allowed) rather than on the ground (three rushing TDs allowed).

Pittsburgh, DEF
Steelers, vs. Patriots

Patriots QB Tom Brady rarely turns the ball over, save the Week 3 Bills shocker, and the Steelers defense hasn’t forced many turnovers. Plus, the Pats have had the Steelers’ number in recent years.

Eric Decker, WR
Broncos, vs. Lions

About as soon as Decker convinced us he is worth starting consideration based on matchups, in comes new QB Tim Tebow to throw everything off kilter. Until Tebow shows he can get the ball downfield to Decker, keep the wideout on your bench if you can.

dloftis@nypost.com