RB Frank Gore had what many consider and an “off” season last year, and yet still managed to carry the ball 260 times for 1,102 yards and 5 TDs. He also added 53 receptions for 436 yards and another TD. Solid numbers, but down from his NFC-leading numbers of 1,695 rushing yards in 2006. His Pro Bowl earning stats from that year included 61 catches for 485 yards and a total of 9 TDs.

Although Gore is stuck on a shaky 49ers offense with a whole new offensive coordinator and unresolved questions at QB, he is expected to remain the centerpiece of the San Francisco attack, and will likely be selected as one of the top 5 RBs off the board on many, if not all, fantasy drafts this year.

Is he worth it?

The Whiz’s own Jay Bebermeyer and Chris Fries face off on this topic.

(2) Forum Discussion

Jay says “YES”

Ever since his emergence as the starting running back in San Francisco, I have been on the Frank Gore bandwagon and I will never let go. I have even invested in a big supply of kazoos to continue tooting his horn. You are likely thinking I am joking, right? I’ve got the ACME Kazoo seller on the phone right now trying to get Gore’s name etched on the darn things.

I realize Gore has had several injuries, including a torn ACL prior to his sophomore year at the University of Miami, a groin injury in 2005, a broken hand in 2007 and is most likely on several injury-wary lists for fantasy footballers. However, he plays through most injuries and continues to strive to be the best at his position.

Coming into the 2008 season there are two reasons to be high on Gore: big play ability and Mike Martz.

Over the course of three seasons, Gore has put up impressive numbers behind a questionable offensive line and a weak presence at the quarterback position. He has great vision to find the holes and has exceptional ability to blow through it for huge yards, which explains his 45 plays for 20+ yards in his career. Each season he has had two touchdown runs that exceeded the 20-yard mark, which makes him a threat on each play to take it to the house. The addition of offensive tackle Barry Sims will enhance the offensive line, which should allow Gore better chances at open holes.

The biggest reason to love Gore at this point of his career is the arrival of offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Martz comes to the 49ers at the right time for Gore, as he has already proven he is a receiving threat out of the backfield and a big play back. The new offense will take advantage of those attributes of a running back, much like Martz did with Marshall Faulk, who by the way has been talking to Gore on what to expect in the offensive scheme Martz is putting in place.

Simply put, Gore is going to be a stud this season and for future seasons with Martz in place. He has proven that he can get the job done and the 49ers have already guaranteed he will be their back until 2011. Believe me, you cannot go wrong with Gore leading your fantasy team into 2008.

Chris says “NO”

Frank Gore is a talented RB – make no bones about it. He had a stellar year in 2006, and was still a reliable fantasy RB last year. So will he be a total bust in 2008? Not likely. Is he destined to be a top–five RB in 2008? I’m not so sure…

Gore’s “down” year last year was not caused by injuries – Gore started 15 of the 16 games. There were no RBBC in the ‘Niners backfield – Gore got the vast majority of the carries.  There are two interrelated reasons that most observers typically point to as why Gore went from 5.4 ypc in 2006 to 4.2 ypc in 2006: A dismal passing attack and an ineffective offensive line.

So what’s new in 2008? A new and improved passing game? Not really – the 49ers still haven’t figured out who their starting QB will be between Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, and even – seriously – J. T. O’Sullivan.  It’s not much better on the catching side – the only improvements to their anemic wide-receiving corps are 37-year old Isaac Bruce at the end of his career, a cast-off Bryant Johnson, and the 6th-round rookie Josh Morgan.

Is the offensive line better? Not even close. So far, the ‘Niners biggest plays to improve their pathetic O-line were to sign Raiders tackle Barry Sims to likely be a backup, and to try and put their 2nd-round rookie guard Chilo Rachal at tackle, where he hasn’t played since high school.

What is new is new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who fans are hoping will bring a little of “the greatest show on turf” mojo that may be leftover from his days with the Rams.

Martz may help Alex Smith turn into a decent QB, just as he helped revive Jon kitna’s career in Detroit. But with an O-line every bit as bad as the Lions turnstyles that helped Kitna lead the league in sacks two years in a row, Smith (or whoever gets the nod in San Francisco) better have their insurance paid up.

But this for sure – a dismal O-line won’t help the running game any. So in spite of his obvious ability and talent, I just don’t see much reason for blind optimism for Gore’s return to 2006’s Pro-bowl caliber numbers.  Top ten in 2008? Possibly. Top five? I’m not so sure…