This year has been without doubt the year of the quarterback with Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning putting up huge numbers week in and week out. This week look in Alex Smith’s direction once again as he is poised to do some big things with a new look offense and go to guys Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

Along with the possible potent offense in San Francisco there are some other notable players to take a look at this week to consider putting in your starting lineup on your fantasy football team.

Start ‘Em

Quarterback

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers gave the undefeated Indianapolis Colts a reality check last week by almost handing Peyton Manning and company the first loss of the season. Even though they weren’t able to beat the Colts in week eight, the 49ers still look very promising with Alex Smith behind center as he was able to lead the offense once again. Vernon Davis has emerged as his favorite target and rookie wideout Michael Crabtree got involved as well. With both of these weapons at Smith’s disposal against the lowly Tennessee Titans expect Smith to have his best game yet.

Other notable QBs: Matt Hasselback, Seattle Seahawks; Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints; Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Running Back

Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

If you have either Jacobs or Bradshaw you are in luck this weekend as the New York Giants will be taking on the San Diego Chargers who have struggled defending the run all season long. Jacobs will almost certainly get the bulk of the carries, but you can’t go wrong by starting Bradshaw as well. The passing game isn’t exactly working for Eli Manning right now so I think New York will be looking to expose the Chargers in the running game.

Other notable RBs: Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs; Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers; Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

Last week Crabtree proved what he could do with his best game of his short NFL career with 80+ yards against the Indianapolis Colts in week eight. Expect Crabtree’s production to only get better as Smith gets him more involved in the offense this week against the Titans. He should have at least one touchdown and about 50 yards this week, solid start at wideout.

Other notable WRs: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts; Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers; Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Tight End

Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

The former USC tight end hasn’t really done anything in his short career with the Skins, but being behind Chris Cooley will do that to you. Now Davis will have his shot at getting back in the mix with Cooley out with an ankle injury for the foreseeable future. Quarterback Jason Campbell doesn’t have many options in this offense so look for him to get Davis involved this week against the Atlanta Falcons who have had troubled containing tight ends this season.

Other notable TEs: Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts; Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons

Kicker

Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

The Packers may be licking their wounds after getting beat by Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings for the second time this season, but look for them to come out firing on all cylinders against the lowly and winless Tampa Bay Bucs in week nine. As a result Crosby should put up a lot points just on extra points alone.

Defense

Green Bay Packers

They may have not been able to stop Brett Favre in week eight, but things will drastically change against the Bucs in week nine as they will almost certainly keep Tampa Bay scoreless and hurting with turnover after turnover.

Other notable Defenses: Seattle Seahawks