News: CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports the Lions are unsure if quarterback Matthew Stafford will be able to play Week 4 against the Vikings because of his muscle pull. The team is keeping its options open, but one source said Stafford is "one tough dude." If Stafford is out, then Shaun Hill will start at quarterback for Detroit. Coach Jim Schwartz did not comment on Stafford's MRI during his press conference Monday and said he will make a decision about his availability Friday.
Analysis: Hill did pretty good off the bench in place of Stafford Week 3 against the Titans, going 10 of 13 for 172 yards and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was a Hail Mary pass. However, Hill stepped up in 2010 when Stafford was hurt, so he is familiar with the offense and can fill in admirably if needed. Stafford owners might want to add Hill off waivers this week just in case Stafford can't play Sunday.
News: Though Lions backup quarterback Shaun Hill didn't enter the game until starter Matthew Stafford injured his leg with less than two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, he ended up having a surprisingly productive afternoon. He led the Lions on a quick drive down the field that resulted in a 3-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson, and then, after an onside kick, he heaved a pass 46 yards into the end zone that was tipped by a defender before landing in the arms of Titus Young on the final play of regulation. The game would go on to overtime, allowing Hill to complete 10 of 13 passes for 172 yards and the two scores.
Analysis: Stafford will have an MRI Monday that should give us some indication whether or not Hill will be in line to start Week 4 against the Vikings. If Hill's performance to close out this game is any indication, he could be relevant in Fantasy if he gets the nod. Sure, he got a little help along the way, especially with the desperation heave at the end of regulation, but a 10-for-13 performance deserves its own share of credit. Plus, Johnson has a way of making any quarterback look good. If you're a Stafford owner and don't have a good backup, Hill might be worth a flier since you know he'll be working with the same elite weapons in the same pass-heavy scheme. His talent clearly isn't on the level of Stafford's though, so weigh your alternatives carefully.
News: The Detroit Free-Press reports that Lions backup QB Shaun Hill would like to return to Detroit in 2012. The Lions have told Hill, his representatives and others that they want him back as the primary backup to Matthew Stafford. Hill also wants to return to Detroit -- and might even take a slight discount to do so. The 32-year-old appeared in two games last year and attempted just three passes, but he made 10 starts in 2010, when Stafford missed 13 games with two separated throwing shoulders.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Hill, but unless he signs with a team and earns a starting job he would not be worth drafting in the majority of leagues.
News: Detroit QB Shaun Hill completed 1 of his 2 passes for five yards during the Lions' 45-10 rout of Denver in Week 8. With Detroit holding a 35-point lead, Hill entered the game for starting QB Matthew Stafford in the fourth quarter and was under center for the team's final three possessions.
Analysis: Hill was considered a possible starter for Sunday's game after Stafford was listed as questionable with an ankle injury. However, Stafford was able to play and threw for three touchdowns as the Lions scored 45 unanswered points. But with Stafford's well-documented history with injuries, Fantasy owners should consider Hill a quality replacement if Stafford ever misses playing time.
News: With QB Matthew Stafford able to start in Week 8 even though he was hampered by a sore right ankle in practice all week, Detroit QB Shaun Hill will continue to serve as his backup against Denver. Stafford was listed as questionable coming into the game.
Analysis: Hill threw for 2,686 yards and 16 touchdown passes in 11 games last season while filling in for Stafford, who has dealt with several injuries in his short NFL career. Fantasy owners should consider him a quality replacement if Stafford ever misses more playing time.
News: With starting QB Matthew Stafford (ankle) questionable for Week 8 against Denver, QB Shaun Hill could receive the start for Sunday's game. “He’s better,” coach Jim Schwartz said Friday about Stafford. “Hopefully we can keep him on the track. I don’t know officially if he’s a game-time decision, but we won’t announce anything before then. A lot of things can happen between now and Sunday.” Hills has played in just one game this season, completing one pass in Week 2 during the Lions' 48-3 rout against Kansas City.
Analysis: If Stafford has a setback, Hill would be the next option. Hill threw for 2,686 yards and 16 touchdown passes in 11 games last season while filling in for Stafford. While he doesn't have much experience this season, Hill would still have a talented receiving corps against the Broncos, including star WR Calvin Johnson. Denver is permitting an average of 23 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and at least one touchdown pass in every outing this year. If Stafford can't play, Hill would make for a viable replacement in Week 8.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill showed why Detroit wants him as an insurance policy for Matthew Stafford. Hill picked up where Stafford left off Friday, completing 8 of 9 for 63 yards with a 7-yard touchdown run against the Bengals.
Analysis: No one should draft Hill unless it's in a deep league that starts two quarterbacks and an owner wants to safeguard his Stafford pick. At least it's nice to see he can run the Lions' offense in case something happens to Stafford.
News: MLive.com reports Lions QB Shaun Hill, who has minor back surgery in the offseason, is fully healthy and ready to work as a backup to Matthew Stafford. "I've felt good most of the summer really. I had the procedure done in May and, after about four weeks, I felt pretty good,'' he said. "I was doing stuff and working toward being back full strength, but going overboard wasn't worth it.''
Analysis: As we saw in 2010, Hill has to stay sharp because Stafford has a tendency to get injured. Hill might be worth drafting as a handcuff Fantasy option for Stafford owners, but that's really pretty much his value on Draft Day.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports that Lions QB Shaun Hill is taking part on a limited basis in player-organized workouts with his teammates after undergoing back surgery Wednesday. Hill, who played through a broken forearm and broken finger in starting 10 games in place of Matthew Stafford last year, did some jogging and light throwing. “It’s kind of been bugging me for a while, but last year, (I) was able to get through the season,” Hill said. “I had a little injection before the season, and it helped me out and got me through it. This year, the injection didn’t quite help, so I opted for the surgery.” Hill, whose contract voids after the 2011 season, said he was told he’d be game-ready in four to six weeks. He does not expect to miss any training camp. During workouts Monday and Tuesday, he has thrown only short and intermediate passes. “It’s been great,” Hill said. “I’m six days post-op, and I’m running a little bit. I can’t throw extended stuff. The rotation, I don’t want to overdo it there. But I feel great. I’m glad I did it. Wish I would have done it earlier.”
Analysis: Hill is a player Fantasy owners should keep an eye on going into the season based on Stafford's injury history the first two years of his career. If Stafford were to go down, Hill would step in and hopefully play well like he did last year. We don't recommend drafting Hill in any leagues, but he could be a hot commodity off the waiver wire if he gets the chance to start at all in 2011.
News: QB Shaun Hill passed for 258 yards and Detroit knocked off Minnesota, 20-13, in Week 17 to finish the season on a four-game winning streak. Hill completed 28 of 39 passes despite not having WR Calvin Johnson, who was active but didn't play because of an ankle injury. Hill tossed a 7-yard touchdown to Nate Burleson in the second quarter and could have finished with two touchdowns had Tony Scheffler not fumbled a completed pass at the 1-yard line on a first-quarter drive. Hill threw one interception and rushed for 11 yards.
Analysis: Hill played often in 2010 because starting QB Matthew Stafford kept getting injured. Hill missed some time due to injury himself, but he still completed 61.8 percent of his passes and threw 16 touchdowns. He proved he could start in the NFL, but if he returns to Detroit in 2011, then he will have to assume the backup role to Stafford. Track Hill's offseason progress before taking a flier on him Draft Day 2011, but his outlook looks bleak at this juncture.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill said that beating Minnesota, Detroit's Week 17 opponent, would help Detroit exorcise more demons from its past. Detroit’s recent record against the Vikings needs exorcism indeed. The Lions haven’t beaten Minnesota in three seasons, and have a 2-19 record against them since 2000. But Hill says winning their last four games is vital for Detroit. “I don’t know if people realize what a big deal (finishing 4-0) is,” Hill said. “It catapults you into the offseason and puts to rest some demons we’ve had here. Some demons have been exorcised, but there are still (more)."
Analysis: Hill was under center in Week 3 against the Vikings when Detroit lost 24-10. Hill completed 29 of 43 passes for 237 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. But that was then and this is now. The Lions are riding a three-game winning streak and Hill returned from an injury in Week 16 to lead Detroit to a comeback victory against the Dolphins, so he is still riding high on cloud nine. We expect Detroit to battle hard on Sunday and Hill is probably worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: The Detroit News reports that QB Shaun Hill is expected to start again at quarterback Sunday in Week 17 against Minnesota even though coach Jim Schwartz would not commit to that Monday. Hill started in Week 16 at Miami after missing three games with a finger injury. He was 14 of 26 passing for 222 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He replaced Drew Stanton, who had been starting with Hill and Matthew Stafford (shoulder) out.
Analysis: We expect Hill to start against the Vikings, and he should be considered a potential starter in all leagues. Hill has four outings this season with at least 20 Fantasy points in a standard league, and that's in just eight full games, He struggled against Minnesota in Week 3 with 237 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, but he should fare better this time around based on how the Vikings have played on defense of late and because they'll be tired from a very short week after playing at Philadelphia on Tuesday.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill put up some decent numbers against the Dolphins in Week 16 as he returned from a broken finger to lead Detroit to victory. Hill completed 14 of 26 passes for 222 yards with a pair of touchdowns to TE Brandon Pettigrew and RB Jahvid Best. Hill also ran once for 10 yards.
Analysis: Hill didn't set the world on fire Sunday as he was likely a little rusty from a good time out of action, but he did enough to bring his team a victory, although the defense certainly helped his cause immensely. He also did a good portion of his work with key WR Calvin Johnson either on the sideline injured or just being generally ineffective. In Week 17, the Lions host the Vikings, and depending on the weather, Hill might be a nice sleeper No. 2 Fantasy option for that matchup.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill healed up from his finger injury and was named the starter for Week 16 at Miami. Drew Stanton will back him up.
Analysis: Hill played well earlier this season and could put up some decent numbers in Week 16 against a Miami defense that looked shaky at times in Week 15, allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw a pair of touchdowns. Hill will be a little rusty though and could well re-injure that finger, so consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (finger) took first-team reps Friday and remains the likely choice to start against the Dolphins in Week 16. Coach Jim Schwartz wouldn't name a starter until gameday, especially since the Dolphins admitted they've had to create different game plans for Hill and backup Drew Stanton. Both are listed as questionable. "When we do our 11:30 (inactive player announcement) before the game, we'll probably announce the starter," Schwartz said Friday. "When we get to game day we’ll announce our starter. ... I think all three guys could go in and execute the game plan. Each of them probably would be a little bit different game plan but all of them could execute and all of them could go out and give us a chance to win."
Analysis: Hill played well earlier this season and could put up some decent numbers in Week 16 against a Miami defense that looked shaky at times in Week 15, allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw a pair of touchdowns. Hill will be a little rusty though and could well re-injure that finger, so consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option at best if he gets the call in South Florida. We'll be first to know whether or not he'll start this Sunday on Fantasy Football Today, 11 a.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill took snaps behind Drew Stanton on Thursday as the Detroit coaching staff reversed their course from Wednesday, when Hill took the first snaps. The Lions play at Miami in Week 16.
Analysis: Hill played well earlier this season and could put up some decent numbers in Week 16 against a Miami defense that looked shaky at times on Sunday in allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw a pair of touchdowns. He will be a little rusty though and could well re-injure that finger, so consider Hill a No. 2 Fantasy option at best if he gets the call in South Florida.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill was the first quarterback under center Wednesday at practice, a sign that he will likely get the start in Week 16 at Miami over Drew Stanton (shoulder). Hill's broken index finger was taped and didn't appear to need any additional protection. Hill said he can throw without using the index finger Sunday if needed. "I'm just going to push it and hope to be the guy," Hill said. QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) has already been ruled out for Sunday
Analysis: Hill played well earlier this season and could put up some decent numbers in Week 16 against a Miami defense that looked shaky at times on Sunday in allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw a pair of touchdowns. He will be a little rusty though and could well re-injure that finger, so consider Hill a No. 2 Fantasy option at best if he gets the call in South Florida.
News: Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Monday that he hasn't decided who will start at QB in Week 16 at Miami. Drew Stanton, who has been starting recently, separated his shoulder on Sunday, while former starter Shaun Hill is coming off a broken finger. "Health of all the other quarterbacks, the availability of all the other quarterbacks, health of Drew -- all those other things will go into it," Schwartz said when asked how he'll decide who starts. "We'll cross that bridge Wednesday when we get to it. You're not going to paint me into a corner on who the starter's going to be or what the criteria's going to be. We'll make the best decision for the football team and probably won't announce it until maybe Sunday."
Analysis: Hill played well earlier this season and could put up some decent numbers in Week 16 against a Miami defense that looked shaky at times on Sunday in allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw a pair of touchdowns. He will be a little rusty though and could well re-injure that finger, so consider Hill a No. 2 Fantasy option at best if he gets the call in South Florida.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (finger) was listed as active for Week 15 at Tampa Bay, but he will be the No. 2 starter behind Drew Stanton.
Analysis: With his finger not quite healed going into Sunday's game, Hill appeared to be a risky start in any event. Now that he will be the backup in Week 15, he should not be starting in Fantasy this week. Keep Hill stashed, though he may be able to help owners in Week 16.
News: Lions QB Drew Stanton took almost all the first-team reps during the open portion of practice Friday, which is a good indication Shaun Hill will be the inactive No. 3 QB this Sunday against the Buccaneers. He is officially listed as questionable for the matchup after seeing limited practice time all week. Still, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan would not rule Hill out: "Drew (Stanton) took a lot of the reps and has had a very good week, so we're very comfortable there," Linehan said. "If Shaun (Hill) wakes up Sunday feeling like (his injured finger) is close to 100 percent, (he could start)."
Analysis: Hill's finger clearly isn't quite ready just yet for him to take the field, but the chances of him returning for Week 16 obviously look pretty good at this point. Continue to stash him away in deeper formats as a nice sleeper No.2 Fantasy option for the final two weeks of the season against Miami and Minnesota. For the final word, check back with us about 90 minutes before kickoff.
News: According to a report on mlive.com, there is a chance the Lions could start Shaun Hill at QB in Week 15 at Tampa Bay. Hill, who has been out the past two weeks with a broken finger, threw the ball well at practice Wednesday. The issue is whether Hill can throw consistently without the ball taking off or floating on him, according to the report. Because the injured finger is the only reason Hill is not in the lineup, if he can overcome that problem, he's the starter. The Lions could wait until Sunday morning to make a final determination, making sure that Hill has command of his passes when they arrive at the stadium. Throwing without using the finger is something Hill's done before, having broken the same finger in San Francisco last season. If Hill isn't able to start then Drew Stanton would remain the No. 1 QB for the Lions against the Bucs.
Analysis: This is an interesting development because Hill would be a great option for Fantasy owners against Tampa Bay, which is dealing with key injuries in the secondary. Hill has played well this year for Fantasy owners and would be considered a sleeper against the Bucs. Continue to monitor what develops with Hill, but he could be worth adding in deeper leagues if his finger injury keeps improving as we get closer to Sunday.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (finger) was on the inactives list for Week 14 against the Packers. He had been ruled out for the game on Friday, as Drew Stanton was named the Lions' starting QB.
Analysis: Hill will miss a second straight game Week 14 and there are still rumors out there he will not play again this season. Hill is only worth stashing in the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Lions QBs Shaun Hill (finger) and Matthew Stafford (shoulder) were on the field for practice Friday, but did not participate in drills open to media. Stafford tossed a ball lightly with his left arm but did not test his throwing shoulder. Drew Stanton will start at QB against the Packers in Week 14 as Hill and Stafford have both been ruled out.
Analysis: Hill will miss a second straight game Week 14 and there are still rumors out there he will not play again this season. Hill is only worth stashing in the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (finger) was unable to practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for the Packers in Week 14. QB Drew Stanton has already been named the starter for Sunday according to coach Jim Schwartz.
Analysis: Hill, who is reportedly out for the season, remains on the active roster despite not being able to practice or play. We don't anticipate him playing any time soon, so stashing him just in case he comes back in the next few weeks is your best bet. When healthy, Hill is a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (finger), who is reportedly out for the season with a broken finger on his throwing hand, was listed among the team's inactives for Week 13 against Chicago. Hill attended practice Tuesday and Wednesday with a splint on his finger but did not participate in drills as Detroit prepared for the game against the Bears. Drew Stanton took all the snaps as the No. 1 QB and has been named the starter for Week 13. Zac Robinson has been named his backup.
Analysis: Hill is not playing in Week 13 and may not get back on the field this season for the Lions, which have already lost Matthew Stafford. Hill could return, so keep him stashed if you must. Still, his value is pretty low at the moment and Fantasy owners might be best off just cutting ties at this point.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (finger) is reportedly out for the season with a broken finger on his throwing hand. Hill attended practice Tuesday and Wednesday with a splint on his finger but did not participate in drills as Detroit prepared for Week 13 vs. Chicago. Drew Stanton took all the snaps as the No. 1 QB and has been named the starter for Week 13. Zac Robinson has been named his backup.
Analysis: Hill was facing a tough matchup in Week 13 against the Bears, so plenty of folks were probably thinking about dropping him anyway. The Lions haven't officially ruled out Hill for the season, but he is expected to miss some time. Keep Hill stashed in deeper Fantasy formats, but if you need the roster spot, then no one will blame you for cutting him.
News: The Detroit Lions may have more problems at quarterback. Shaun Hill appeared to have a splint on the index finger of his throwing hand at practice Tuesday. He stood off to the side while Drew Stanton and Zac Robinson took snaps. Coach Jim Schwartz, who is always secretive about injuries, was even more so when asked about his quarterback situation afterward. He said he wouldn't comment because he didn't want to tip his hand to Chicago, the Lions' next opponent in Week 13. "With the Bears not practicing today ... no sense giving them the jump on anything," Schwartz said. However, the Detroit Free Press reports Hill has a broken index finger on his throwing hand and could miss the rest of the season, a source told the paper.
Analysis: The Lions worked out free agent QBs J.T. O'Sullivan and Josh McCown on Monday, just in case Hill isn't ready to go on Sunday when Chicago comes to town. The Bears made life very difficult for Eagles QB Michael Vick in Week 12, and a less-than-healthy Hill certainly won't be a recommended Fantasy start for this matchup. Follow his progress over the next few days, as we will here more about Hill's status once practice starts on Wednesday. If Hill can't start in Week 13, Drew Stanton would likely get the call.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill got off to a great start in the first half vs. the Patriots on Thanksgiving, completing 15 of 22 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown to Calvin Johnson. But it went downhill in the second half as Hill was picked off twice by cornerback Devin McCourty and couldn't find the end zone again. The Lions passer finished with 285 yards on 27 of 46 passing with the one score and two interceptions. He also had 23 yards on four scrambles including one from the Patriots 1-yard line that did not find the end zone.
Analysis: Hill was expected to play better than this against the Patriots, but his weak second half doomed his stat line. The Lions host the Bears in Week 13, a team Hill nearly beat in the second half of Week 1 while replacing Matthew Stafford. Chicago's pass defense has played well for much of the year and could challenge Hill in the upcoming game, so don't consider him a must-start for Week 13, even though he'll have 10 days to prepare for the game.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill is active and will start vs. the Patriots in Week 12. He was bugged by a quad injury this week but was expected to play all along. Hill, who has 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his seven starts, will take on a Patriots pass defense that got clobbered by Peyton Manning last week and Ben Roethlisberger the week before, yielding a total of seven touchdowns and over 380 yards passing to each. No one will confuse Hill for either of those quarterbacks, but there's no denying that he's got one of the most potent receiving corps in the league, and his passing yardage hasn't been weak either as he's topped 280 yards and/or had multiple touchdowns in four of his seven starts.
Analysis: Hill isn't a bad option to start in Week 12 because he'll play at home with his strong receiving corps against a Pats defense with a thinned out secondary and a stoppable pass rush. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for the game on Thanksgiving.
News:Shaun Hill is expected to start for the Lions on Thursday against the Patriots in the team's annual Thanksgiving Day game. Hill, who has 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his seven starts, will take on a Patriots pass defense that got clobbered by Peyton Manning last week and Ben Roethlisberger the week before, yielding a total of seven touchdowns and over 380 yards passing to each. No one will confuse Hill for either of those quarterbacks, but there's no denying that he's got one of the most potent receiving corps in the league, and his passing yardage hasn't been weak either as he's topped 280 yards and/or had multiple touchdowns in four of his seven starts.
Analysis: Hill isn't a bad option to start in Week 12 because he'll play at home with his strong receiving corps against a Pats defense with a thinned out secondary and a stoppable pass rush. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for the game on Thanksgiving.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (quadricep) was able to participate in full practice on Monday as he prepares for Week 12 against the Patriots. He completed 32 of 47 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys.
Analysis: Hill continues to be a solid Fantasy option this season as a replacement for the injured Matthew Stafford (shoulder) and should be able to start against the Patriots on Thanksgiving. He is one touchdown pass away from tying his career mark and has thrown for a combined 612 yards in his last two outings. Consider Hill a low-end Fantasy option heading into the matchup in Week 12.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill was solid Sunday in Week 11 at Dallas. He completed 32 of 47 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He threw a 9-yard touchdown to Nate Burleson and a 14-yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson. In total, Hill connected with seven receivers, and his interception came late in the game with Detroit trailing.
Analysis: Hill continues to be a solid Fantasy option this season as a replacement for the injured Matthew Stafford (shoulder). He will start again in Week 12 against New England on Thanksgiving Day, and he should be considered a potential starting Fantasy option in deeper formats.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill says his recovering broken forearm was helped by good O-Line play in Buffalo last week. “The offensive line did a good job of keeping me clean (against Buffalo), which was important (to further recovery),” Hill said. “(The arm) feels a lot better this week.” The Lions face Dallas in Week 11.
Analysis: Hill was steady in the Week 10 loss while taking over for starting QB Matthew Stafford (again). He threw for 323 yards and found Calvin Johnson for a score, although he threw an interception as well. Facing the Cowboys, he could again find himself in a solid situation against Dallas' 21st ranked pas defense. They have allowed an opposing QB to throw for multiple touchdowns in their last four games. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option heading into the matchup as long as he starts.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill, who was taking over as the starter in place of the injured Matthew Stafford (shoulder), didn't seem comfortable at first in his return from a broken forearm Week 10 at Buffalo. He spent most of the first half completing passes underneath, relying on his receivers to pick up yardage after the catch, and he had only 125 yards heading into the break. But he woke up with the Lions trailing in the second half, throwing for 198 yards. He finished 29 of 50 for 323 yards, with his only touchdown pass coming on a 20-yard lob to Calvin Johnson over the middle late in the fourth quarter. He also threw an interception.
Analysis: Hill didn't disappoint yardage-wise in his return to the starting lineup, but most Fantasy owners probably expected him to contribute more than one touchdown pass. After all, the Lions were on a roll offensively, and they were facing the lowly Bills. But Hill was unwilling to take chances until the Lions were on the verge of losing, and by then, it was too late for them to do much scoring. Stafford isn't coming back soon, so maybe now that Hill has his feet under him, he'll relax and get back to playing the way he did earlier in the season. The Lions are often playing from behind, giving him a chance to pick up good yardage every week. With another good matchup Week 11 at Dallas, he's a borderline starter in Fantasy.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill, who has missed the last two games with a broken forearm, is active and will start Week 10 at Buffalo with Matthew Stafford sidelined by a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Hill couldn't ask for a more favorable matchup in his return. The Bills have been giving up plenty of yards through the air recently and have only one interception all season. The Lions passing game has been rolling regardless of who is at quarterback, so Hill has some sleeper appeal as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Ask Friday if the Detroit offense is limited by QB Shaun Hill's injured forearm, coach Jim Schwartz responded with a resounding no. “(Hill’s) without restriction," Schwartz said. "We’re not going to change our offense, and he’s not going to change the way he does things. We have pretty much the full playbook open to us.” Hill will once again fill in for the injured Matthew Stafford (shoulder) in Week 10 against the Bills, who technically rank sixth against the pass, allowing 193.4 yards per game, but have given up 265.8 yards per game over their last four. They also allow 21.0 Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, fourth-most in the NFL.
Analysis: Hill couldn't ask for a more favorable matchup in his return. The Bills have only one interception and 12 sacks, so the only reason they rank so high against the pass is because teams are so busy running the ball against them. They rank dead last against the run, allowing 178.2 yards per game. In six games, Hill has thrown for 1,309 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 61.1 percent of his passes. He's no Stafford, but he's the one who got the Lions' offense going when Stafford was out with a shoulder injury earlier in the year. Hill comes with some injury risk this week, but with the favorable matchup, he's capable of performing like a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill, who is set to return from a broken left forearm and fill in for Matthew Stafford (shoulder) in Week 10, has the good fortune of visiting the 0-8 Bills, who technically rank sixth against the pass, allowing 193.4 yards per game, but have given up 265.8 yards per game over their last four. They also allow 21.0 Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, fourth-most in the NFL. Hill will wear a hard brace in his left arm but was able to practice in full Wednesday and has pronounced himself ready to go. "It feels good," Hill told the Lions' official website. "I'm full-go."
Analysis: Hill couldn't ask for a more favorable matchup in his return. The Bills have only one interception and 12 sacks, so the only reason they rank so high against the pass is because teams are so busy running the ball against them. They rank dead last against the run, allowing 178.2 yards per game. In six games, Hill has thrown for 1,309 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 61.1 percent of his passes. He's no Stafford, but he's the one who got the Lions' offense going when Stafford was out with a shoulder injury earlier in the year. Hill comes with some injury risk this week, but with the favorable matchup, he's capable of performing like a No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill will start at QB Sunday at Buffalo. Hill will wear a hard brace on his injured left arm. The decision to start Hill was made after he was able to take snaps from center without pain. "I started doing as much as I could as soon as I could," Hill said. "Everything's all good now."
Analysis: Hill started five games in place of Matt Stafford earlier this season, passing for 1,309 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.Certainly consider adding Hill in deeper leagues immediately if you need backup QB help, as he has plenty of capable weapons at his disposal in Motown.
News: The shoulder injury that Lions QB Matthew Stafford sustained against the Jets in Week 9 isn't related to his Week 1 injury, which caused him to miss five games. Stafford underwent an MRI Monday. The Lions aren't exploring surgical options for Stafford and will determine his status for Sunday's game in Week 10 at Buffalo after consulting physicians. If Stafford is unable to play, the Lions will determine before Wednesday's practice whether QB Shaun Hill (arm) will be cleared to play Sunday at Buffalo. If Hill can't play, coach Jim Schwartz said the Lions will explore signing a quarterback. Currently QB Drew Stanton is the only healthy quarterback on the Lions' roster.
Analysis: Hill started five games in place of Stafford and has passed for 1,309 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. If he's able to return for Week 10 at Buffalo and Stafford is out we would consider Hill a solid sleeper in all leagues. Keep an eye on what happens with Hill and Stafford, but consider adding Hill in deeper leagues this week.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill (arm) returned to practice Thursday for the first time since breaking his non-throwing arm Oct. 17 on a hit by Giants DT Barry Cofield. He threw passes during drills but didn't take a snap under center during team activities. It's uncertain whether Hill will dress as Detroit's emergency QB in Week 9 against the Jets.
Analysis: Hill showed earlier this season that he's a nice fit with the Lions system, throwing for 1,309 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. If you're starting Matthew Stafford in a deeper league, think about stashing Kill on your bench just in case Stafford gets banged up again.
News: Detroit QB Shaun Hill (left forearm) was listed among the team's inactives for Week 8 against Washington. Hill will give way to original starter Matthew Stafford, who is returning from his own injury.
Analysis: Hill was brilliant filling in for Stafford while he was out. Still, this is Stafford's team and now that he's back, Hill is going to take a back seat again. Hill can now be ignored in the majority Fantasy formats.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill was an unofficial participant in practice Friday, throwing short routes during individual drills but not wearing a helmet. His broken, non-throwing arm is in a moveable cast, which he replaces with a brace during workouts. He didn't participate in team drills and is out for Sunday's game.
Analysis: Hill played brilliantly filling in for the injured Matthew Stafford, completing 127 of 208 passes (61.1 percent) for 1,309 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions in 20 quarters of work. While he might be back healthy later this season, Hill will only be a backup to the now-healthy Stafford once he returns and can continue to be ignored in the majority Fantasy formats for now, unless you own both Lions QB in a very deep format.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Lions QB Shaun Hill had surgery to repair a broken left forearm Monday. Hill suffered the injury in a Week 6 loss to the Giants when he tried to brace himself after having his legs taken out from underneath him. "It's going to be a few weeks," coach Jim Schwartz said. "It's a little too early. It's his non-throwing arm and it depends on what kind of cast and everything else that can be put on it. I don't want to put any timetable on it but there is going to be some missed time with it."
Analysis: Hill played brilliantly filling in for the injured Matthew Stafford, completing 127 of 208 passes (61.1 percent) for 1,309 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions in 20 quarters of work. While he might be back healthy later this season, Hill will only be a backup once he returns and can be dropped in all Fantasy formats.
News: QB Shaun Hill will have surgery early this week after breaking his left arm in Week 6 against the Giants. Coach Jim Schwartz gave no timetable for his return on Monday. Asked if the Lions would sign another QB, Schwartz said, "It all depends on where (QB) Matt (Stafford's shoulder injury) is." Hill threw for 1,309 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games before suffering the injury.
Analysis: This all but ends Hill's run as a starter in Detroit so Fantasy owners that were using him as a stopgap can feel free to drop him in all formats. He did a serviceable job in place of Stafford but will only serve as the backup, if able to come back this season.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill was taken out of his Week 6 game at the N.Y. Giants just prior to halftime after suffering a forearm injury while bracing for impact while being knocked down on a pass rush. He had completed nine of 15 passes for 91 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. He was able to run to the locker room under his own power, but would return to the sideline later wearing street clothes and a sling around his arm. There are reports that he may have suffered a broken left forearm, though the team has yet to confirm.
Analysis: Hill came into Week 6 as a tough sell in Fantasy as he was up against the top-ranked pass defense in the NFL. He did manage a touchdown pass, but was under heavy pressure for a good deal of the first half and it was a heavy pass rush that finally did him in. The injury did not appear to be too serious, but with Matthew Stafford likely to return after the Week 7 bye, this is likely the end of Hill's appeal in Fantasy.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill was taken out of his Week 6 game at the N.Y. Giants just prior to halftime after suffering a hand injury while being knocked down on a pass rush. He had completed nine of 15 passes for 91 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. He was able to run to the locker room under his own power, but his return status for the second half was announced to be questionable.
Analysis: Hill came into Week 6 as a tough sell in Fantasy as he was up against the top-ranked pass defense in the NFL. He did manage a touchdown pass, but was under heavy pressure for a good deal of the first half and it was a pass rush that finally did him in. The injury did not appear to be too serious, but with Matthew Stafford likely to return after the Week 7 bye, this is likely the end of Hill's appeal in Fantasy.
News: Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) was inactive for Week 6 at the N.Y. Giants. He was listed as the emergency third QB. Shaun Hill was once again tabbed to start. Stafford has not played since Week 1 due to a right shoulder injury, and he has not been ruled out yet for Week 6. Hill has filled in, completing 61 percent of his passes for 1,218 yards and eight touchdowns. He also ranks sixth in the league in pass attempts with 193.
Analysis: The Giants have allowed just 146 passing yards per game with five touchdowns allowed in five games. They have intercepted six passes and rank third in the NFL with 19 sacks. Hill has thrown for over 200 yards in each of his first four starts, though, and his numbers have been decent thanks in part to him throwing 40 or more passes in three of those games and at least 32 times in each game. There could still be some inflation against the Giants, especially if they fall behind as they have been doing, but be aware that the Giants have a stellar defensive line that has been able to get to the quarterback with relative ease most of the year. That could lead to some turnovers and could makes for a long afternoon. View Hill as no more than an emergency replacement option for an injured starter or a bye-week situation.
News:Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton were the only quarterbacks warming up for the Lions prior to Week 6's matchup at the Giants, according to the Detroit Free Press. Absent from the pregame warmup was QB Matthew Stafford, who has been out every game since Week 2 with a shoulder injury. Hill has filled in, completing 61 percent of his passes for 1,218 yards and eight touchdowns. He also ranks sixth in the league in pass attempts with 193.
Analysis: Hill will likely be the starter in Week 6, but with a bye in Week 7, he could be done as the Lions' starter by time they return to play the Redskins in Week 8. He has been productive, but faces a difficult matchup this week against the Giants. Even with another start, Hill will be no more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB or emergency replacement.
News: Lions coach Jim Schwartz refused to name his starting QB on Friday for Detroit's Week 6 game at the Giants, but the Detroit News reports that Hill will get the nod over Stafford, who hasn't played since Week 1 with a shoulder injury. “We’ll see Sunday. If (Matthew Stafford) is able to get back, it’ll show that he’s right on track and healthy enough to be in a game,” Schwartz said. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
Analysis: Whoever starts on Sunday could be in for a tough afternoon against the top-ranked pass defense in the NFL. The Giants have allowed just 146 passing yards per game with five touchdowns allowed in five games. They have intercepted six passes and rank third in the NFL with 19 sacks. Hill has thrown for over 200 yards in each of his first four starts though, and his numbers have been decent thanks in part to him throwing 40 or more passes in three of those games and at least 32 times in each game. There could still be some inflation against the Giants, especially if they fall behind as they have been doing, but be aware that the Giants have a stellar defensive line that has been able to get to the quarterback with relative ease most of the year. That could lead to some turnovers and could makes for a long afternoon. View Hill as no more than an emergency replacement option for an injured starter or a bye-week situation.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill is still waiting to see whether or not he'll be the starter for his team against the Giants on the road in Week 6. His status depends on the health of QB Matthew Stafford, who was injured in Week 1. Stafford said Thursday that his injured shoulder responded well to throwing Wednesday during practice. However, either quarterback could be in for a tough afternoon against the top-ranked pass defense in the NFL. The Giants have allowed just 146 passing yards per game with five touchdowns allowed in five games. They have intercepted six passes and rank third in the NFL with 19 sacks.
Analysis: Stafford hasn’t officially been ruled out as the starter for Sunday’s game, but there’s been no indication he’s ready to subject his shoulder to game action. All signs point to Hill getting the start for at least one more week. Hill has thrown for over 200 yards in each of his first four starts and his numbers have been decent thanks in part to him throwing 40 or more passes in three of those games and at least 32 times in each game. There could still be some inflation against the Giants, especially if they fall behind as they have been doing, but be aware that the Giants have a stellar defensive line that has been able to get to the quarterback with relative ease most of the year. That could lead to some turnovers and could makes for a long afternoon. View Hill as no more than an emergency replacement option for an injured starter or a bye-week situation.
News: QB Shaun Hill threw for three touchdown passes, as the Lions pummeled the Rams, 44-6, in Week 5. The trio of touchdowns was a first for Hill this season, and it was also the first time that he avoided an interception. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 227 yards, marking the second straight week in which he made good on at least 65 percent of his passes. Hill broke the game open when, after having a touchdown reception by WR Calvin Johnson overruled with under a minute left in the first half, he fired a pass to TE Brandon Pettigrew in the end zone six plays later. The Lions headed into the locker room with a 24-6 lead. Hill also ran the ball twice in the game for nine yards.
Analysis: Hill entered Week 5 ranking a surprising 13th among all quarterbacks in Fantasy points, and after this performance, he is sure to climb the charts. He successfully picked apart a Rams secondary that had given up plenty of yards, but had been stingy inside the red zone. Even with Calvin Johnson having a relatively quiet day and leaving early with a shoulder injury, Hill spread the ball around and kept the Lions' offense moving. In Week 6, he will go up against a Giants pass defense that has been among the toughest in the NFL, so Hill still ranks as a No. 2 Fantasy QB for this matchup, assuming he gets another start over injured Matthew Stafford.
News: Lions head coach Jim Schwartz confirmed Wednesday that QB Shaun Hill will start Sunday against the Rams. Schwartz said QB Matthew Stafford's shoulder rehab is "progressing," and the second-year passer has thrown in practice but according to Schwartz still isn't ready to face game action. That means Hill will make his fourth straight start in Week 5 when the Rams come to Detroit. Hill has made more than 40 pass attempts in each of his three starts, and he has exceeded 300 passing yards in two of those starts. He also led the Lions in rushing in Week 4 against the Packers with 53 yards. But the Rams have allowed just three passing touchdowns to date, and they have limited quarterbacks to an average of 11.5 Fantasy points per game. Not one passer has thrown more than one touchdown on the Rams yet this year, though the best passer they've faced this year has been Donovan McNabb.
Analysis: Hill ranks 13th among all quarterbacks in Fantasy points in standard scoring systems, and the way he's playing and connecting with Calvin Johnson makes him an interesting option against the Rams. Sure, St. Louis has done well against the pass, but Hill has put up big numbers against the Packers and Eagles, defenses decidedly better than the Rams. Owners should be cautious about using him as a No. 1 Fantasy QB, but there's a pretty decent shot that being Megatron's passer will give him a license to put up big numbers again in Week 5.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill attempted a career-high 54 passes in Week 4 against the Packers, but Detroit came up just a bit short in a 28-26 loss. Hill and the Lions trailed 21-14 at the half after Hill completed 21 of 26 passes for 237 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the first half. His interception came in the red zone, but it wasn't his fault as Jahvid Best slipped on the play and the pass sailed into a Green Bay defender's hands. Hill finished 34 for 54 with 331 yards. His second interception in the second half was returned for a touchdown and ended up being the winning score. Hill also rushed for 53 yards on four carries.
Analysis: Hill has attempted 43 or more passes in the last three weeks. It seems the Lions have no qualms about letting Hill throw the football with Matthew Stafford (shoulder) sidelined. It's not like Hill is an inexperienced QB. It's just that he has more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five), and that is going to be one of the reasons Stafford will take over the starter's role when healthy. If Hill is back under center in Week 5 against the Rams, then consider him a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill will make his third consecutive start in place of Matthew Stafford (shoulder) in Week 4 against the Packers, but he has thrown five interceptions along with three touchdowns this season. He is going to face a pass defense that hasn't allowed a QB to throw for more than 221 yards and has allowed just two passing touchdowns to three interceptions.
Analysis: In his first two starts, Hill has attempted 88 passes. He might not have as strong an arm as Stafford, but the Lions still have confidence in him throwing the football. Basically, he is the team's best option until Stafford is healthy, and that could be a few more weeks. Hill is at best a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 4.
News: The Detroit Lions will start quarterback Shaun Hill again this weekend at Green Bay while Matthew Stafford continues to recover from a shoulder injury. It will be Hill's second-straight start. Stafford told WJR-AM on Monday that he would likely test his injured right shoulder with some throwing this week, but he didn't throw any passes Wednesday during the part of practice open to the media.
Analysis: Hill has his hands full with a pass defense that ranks third in the NFL and limited Jay Cutler to 221 yards and one touchdown last week. The Packers have given up just two receiving touchdowns all year. Hill should be nothing more than a low-end one-week replacement for Fantasy owners in Week 4.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill threw two critical interceptions in the end zone in a Week 3 loss to the Vikings at Minnesota. He was making his second straight start in place of injured Matthew Stafford. Hill completed 29 of 43 passes for 237 yards, most of which came late in garbage time with the team behind by two touchdowns on the scoreboard.
Analysis: Hill threw for just 95 yards through the first two quarters of the game. He was under a tremendous amount of pressure throughout the game and was on the ground seven times in the game (though only sacked once). There weren't many chances to throw down field and with RB Jahvid Best leaving the game with an injury in the second quarter, there was virtually no running game to support Hill. He'll likely get a few more chances to fill in for Stafford, but remains an emergency option -- at best -- for the deepest of leagues for Week 4 at Green Bay.
News: After saying earlier in the day that QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) had yet to be ruled out for Week 3, Lions coach Jim Schwartz said later Wednesday that Shaun Hill will be his starter against the Vikings. Hill will face a Vikings defense that has allowed the seventh fewest passing yards in the NFL after two weeks. In Week 1, Saints QB threw for 237 yards and a touchdown against them. In Week 2, Dolphins QB Chad Henne was held to 114 yards and a touchdown on 15 pass attempts.
Analysis: Hill held his own in a Week 2 loss to the Eagles and threw for 335 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in a 35-32 shootout against the Eagles, so Hill has some sleeper value off the waiver wire heading into Week 3. The matchup is certainly not a favorable one, especially playing on the road in a very loud indoor atmosphere, but Hill will have Calvin Johnson on his side and could be throwing a lot of passes with the Lions facing a team that likes to play up against the line of scrimmage to stop the run. The fact that the Vikings are favored to play ahead in the scoreboard could also help since Hill may be forced to throw the ball if the Lions are in catchup mode as they were against the Eagles. We don't recommend Hill as a starter under normal circumstances, but if it's late in the week and your No. 1 QB is out and your backup option isn't all that intriguing, you could choose to take a bit of a gamble and roll the dice with Hill on a whim.
News: Lions QB Shaun Hill made his first start in place of the injured Matthew Stafford (shoulder) in Week 2 against the Eagles and almost led Detroit to a win. Hill and the Lions thought they had a win in Week 1 against the Bears, but a late touchdown by Calvin Johnson was overturned on a replay. In Week 2, Hill almost led Detroit back from a 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit, but fell short in a 35-32 loss. He completed 25 of 45 passes for 335 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His first touchdown pass was a 75-yard catch-and-run score by Jahvid Best. His final score was a 19-yard touchdown pass to Johnson in the fourth quarter that was immediately followed by a two-point conversion -- also caught by Johnson.
Analysis: Hill came out of the gate firing and almost led Detroit on a scoring drive on the opening drive, but he was intercepted in the end zone. Still, he did a great job of managing the game for Detroit in Week 2 and will continue to start since Stafford remains out indefinitely. We are not sure Hill has many 300-yard games in him, so continue to view him as a low-end Fantasy option. He faces the Vikings in Week 3 and Minnesota has been very good against the pass this season. Despite the strong Week 2 performance by Hill, look to other alternatives for Week 3.
News: The Lions are ready to move forward into Week 2 against the Eagles with QB Shaun Hill under center as Matthew Stafford sits out with a shoulder injury. "Nothing changes," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan told The Sports Xchange. "Shaun has a gift of making everything work. His background in this system with me helps him as does the fact that he's been here through the summer and through preseason adjusting to working with these guys here. He's very comfortable in what we're doing. This isn't his first rodeo." Hill played in Linehan's system for three years in Minnesota before going to start 16 games for San Francisco. His .625 winning percentage is still the third highest in 49ers history. "Shaun's got a lot of trust in that locker room," head coach Jim Schwartz said. "They know what kind of quarterback he is and I think the players respect him."
Analysis: It also helps that this is Week 2, and Hill hasn't had to sit on the shelf and run scout teams for several weeks. As Linehan said, he's had active duty running the offense from the summer through preseason. Plus, he played the entire second half against the Bears in Week 1 and engineered what looked like a game-winning drive to everybody except the game and video replay officials. Experience, football IQ, leadership, teammates' trust, Hill has all of that. What he doesn't have, though, is Stafford's arm strength. "There aren't many people who throw the ball like Matthew, from a velocity standpoint," Linehan said. "But Shaun gets it done in a different way while running the same plays." We expect the Eagles to blitz like crazy in Week 2 trying to get Hill out of rhythm. Philadelphia allowed a good quarterback in Aaron Rodgers to pass for just 188 yards in Week 1, so we aren't anticipating Hill to have a field day against Philly. Look to better alternatives for Week 2. Hill is nothing more than a desperation Fantasy start.
News: The Detroit Lions will start quarterback Shaun Hill in Sunday's home opener against Philadelphia as Matthew Stafford recovers from a shoulder injury. Stafford was back at practice Wednesday but stood to the side in his jersey and a baseball cap while Hill and Drew Stanton participated in drills during the portion of practice open to reporters.
Analysis: Hill was 9 of 19 passing for 88 yards and an interception last Sunday at Chicago and had an apparent touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson at the end of the game, which would have been the game-winner, ruled incomplete. Fantasy owners aren't advised to start Hill against the Eagles in Week 2 simply because there are more reliable options out there. He's nothing more than a last-ditch starter for those who are desperate for help.
News: Lions coach Jim Schwartz says Matthew Stafford's injured right shoulder won't need surgery. Schwartz said Monday there's no timetable on Stafford's return. The second-year QB was knocked out of the season opener when Chicago's Julius Peppers sacked him Sunday. Stafford said after the game he would try to play in Week 2 at home against Philadelphia. Schwartz says Stafford was very sore on Monday, but got good returns from tests. Shaun Hill started the third quarter in place of Stafford and appeared to make a game-winning throw to Calvin Johnson, but it was ruled incomplete.
Analysis: We don't expect Stafford to play in Week 2 against the Eagles, but continue to monitor his status. If Hill is named the starter as expected he would have minimal Fantasy value. Don't plan on using him against the Eagles.
News: Detroit starting QB Matthew Stafford's status for Week 2 against the Eagles is uncertain after he left the season opener against Chicago with a right shoulder injury following a blindside sack by the Bears' Julius Peppers. Shaun Hill started the third quarter in place of Stafford, whose arm was in a sling as he stood on the sideline. The Lions would not say if he had X-rays. Stafford said he will go through tests this week and is not sure if he'll be ready for the Lions' game against Philadelphia. "I don't know, we'll see," he said. "I will try, though." If Stafford is out, Hill is expected to start. When he filled in for Stafford against the Bears he was 9 of 19 passing for 88 yards and an interception. He had an apparent touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson at the end of the game, which would have been the game-winner, ruled incomplete.
Analysis: Hill would inherit a potentially potent offense with the Lions if Stafford is out for an extended period of time, and a report surfaced Sunday night that Stafford could be out for six weeks. Even if Hill is the starter he has minimal Fantasy value and should not be considered in any format in Week 2 against the Eagles.
News: The Lions have agreed to terms with backup QB Shaun Hill. The deal keeps Hill under contract through the 2011 season and other terms were not disclosed.
Analysis: The Lions got the nine-year veteran Hill in a March trade with the 49ers. He will head into the 2010 campaign as the backup to Matthew Stafford and will have little Fantasy value unless Stafford gets hurt.
News: The Detroit News reports Lions backup QB Shaun Hill has a different throwing motion than starter Matthew Stafford, and Hill's release hasn't been described as pretty. "I don't know if you're ever going to say effortless and Shaun Hill and a pass together," Schwartz joked. "It's no disrespect to Shaun. That's what he has, and he finds a way to get it done. Those guys that have come up through the bottom of the league, I have a lot of respect for those guys." The Lions acquired Hill, an eight-year veteran, from the 49ers for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft. Asked what he thought of Schwartz's analysis of his throwing style, Hill laughed and said: "It's pretty to me. I don't care what it looks like as long as it gets there. The ball gets where it needs to be and that's the name of the game. At the end of the day does your team have more points than the other team? That's all that matters to me."
Analysis: Hill only has Fantasy value if something happens to Stafford. Ignore Hill in all leagues on Draft Day.
News:Shaun Hill was traded to Detroit from San Francisco for a late pick in the 2011 draft. Hill was bumped out of the starting lineup last season by Alex Smith, and he was bumped from the backup job by David Carr earlier this offseason. "Shaun is the ultimate competitor," said head coach Mike Singletary. "He gave everything he had to his teammates, coaches and fans. I admire how Shaun took advantage of his opportunities and got the most out of his abilities. I wish him nothing but the best as he starts a new chapter in Detroit."
Analysis: Hill is expected to battle for the backup QB job behind Matthew Stafford in Detroit. He's unlikely to land significant playing time. Keep him out of draft plans this summer.
News: The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports that the 49ers have given permission to QB Shaun Hill to seek a trade. Following the signing of QB David Carr, Hill figured to be the odd man out of the team's quarterback rotation. Hill entered the 2009 season as the starter but didn't play well and eventually lost the gig to Alex Smith, who enters 2010 as the starter.
Analysis: Hill will try to land somewhere where he can battle for a starting job. He's very low on the Fantasy totem pole at this point and isn't worth a draft pick this summer.
News:Arnaz Battle, Shaun Hill, Brandon Jones, Brit Miller, Brian Jennings and Jason Hill all failed to record a stat in the team's Week 16 game against the Lions.
Analysis: None of these players are worth owning in Fantasy and should remain on waivers for Week 17 against St. Louis.
News: San Francisco WR Brandon Jones, FB Brit Miller, TE Brian Jennings, backup QB Shaun Hill and WR Jason Hill all went without stats during the Week 15 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles.
Analysis: None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them on waivers for Week 16 against Detroit.
News: San Francisco had four players fail to stat in the Monday night game in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals. Those players are as follows: RB Brit Miller, WR Brandon Jones, TE Brian Jennings and backup QB Shaun Hill.
Analysis: None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them on waivers for Week 15 at Philadelphia.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, RB Glen Coffee, TE Brian Jennings, WR Jason Hill, WR Brandon Jones and QB Shaun Hill all dressed for San Francisco's Week 12 win over Jacksonville but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Coffee is worth owning as a handcuff for Frank Gore but the rest of these players have little to no Fantasy value. The Niners are at Seattle Week 13.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, RB Michael Robinson, RB Glen Coffee, TE Delanie Walker, WR Arnaz Battle, TE Brian Jennings and QB Shaun Hill all dressed for San Francisco's Week 11 loss to Green Bay but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 12 when the 49ers host the Jaguars.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Jones, WR Arnaz Battle, LS/TE Brian Jennings, TE Delanie Walker and backup QB Shaun Hill all failed to record a stat Week 10 against the Bears.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 11 when the 49ers play at the Packers.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Jones, WR Arnaz Battle, TE Brian Jennings and QB Shaun Hill all failed to record a stat Week 9 against the Titans.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 10 against the Bears.
News: Niners WR Arnaz Battle, RB Michael Robinson, WR Brandon Jones, QB Shaun Hill and TE Brian Jennings did not record an offensive stat in Week 8 at the Colts.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 9 against the Titans.
News: Talk about a comeback: The 49ers inserted backup QB Alex Smith at halftime in place of Shaun Hill in their Week 7 game at Houston down 21-0 and nearly led them back to a win. Hitting tight end Vernon Davis three times for touchdowns, Smith completed a very impressive 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards with an interception and 16 rush yards. This was Smith's first three-touchdown game since a 2006 game vs. the Raiders. Head coach Mike Singletary named Smith the team's starter for Week 8 at Indianapolis.
Analysis: Previously, Smith was considered a tentative passer with a medium-strength arm, but he'll have the chance to prove that wrong in the coming weeks. He'll have a tough matchup in Week 8 at Indianapolis and thus isn't a recommended start, but the prospect of picking him up off waivers in case he catches fire is appealing. Do exactly that this week assuming you have the roster space for him. As for Shaun Hill, you should release him in all leagues since he's unlikely to see much playing time.
News: The 49ers went with a quarterback change in Week 7, pulling Shaun Hill after the first half and replacing him with former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith. Hill completed 6 of 11 passes for 45 yards with 2 rush yards while Smith threw three touchdowns and passed for 206 yards in the second half. Head coach Mike Singletary wouldn't say who would start next week. "I just thought it was time to make the switch," Singletary said. "It was as simple as that. No long, drawn-out thought process. But let's make the change."
Analysis: This doesn't bode well for Hill after getting replaced halfway through his team's first game following their bye week. If you own Hill, you might have gotten a real good reason to cut him from your Fantasy team. Expect Smith to get the nod in Week 8 when the 49ers play at the Colts -- which isn't exactly a great matchup to begin with.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill will face a non-division opponent in Week 7 at Houston. The Texans rank 19th in the NFL against the pass. They have allowed 226.8 passing yards per game in the first six weeks of the season, allowing six touchdown passes with three interceptions.
Analysis: Hill could have a new weapon at his disposal in Week 7 as rookie Michael Crabtree could be making his first NFL start. The 49ers passing could use a boost after being held to just 198 yards and no touchdowns in Week 5. They will have had two weeks to prepare for Houston and they could have a real strong gameplan against a mediocre pass defense. The 49ers should still rely heavily on the run, but Hill could be a decent bye week replacement option this week if needed.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill didn't have an especially good day throwing the ball Week 5 against the Falcons, completing 15 of 38 passes for 198 yards and an interception. He did, however, have a good day on the ground, rushing four times for 53 yards.
Analysis: Because of those rushing yards, Hill's performance wasn't a total loss in Fantasy, but he certainly didn't do anything to improve his standing. Hill hasn't thrown for 200 yards since Week 1, and with the 49ers aiming to win on running and defense, he won't throw for 200 yards often. The 49ers have a bye in Week 6, but you wouldn't want to start Hill at Houston in Week 7, even if it looks like a good matchup.
News: The 49ers host the Falcons in Week 5, and San Francisco QB Shaun Hill will be looking to improve his home record to 8-0 as a starter. Atlanta rank a miserable 27th against the pass this season.
Analysis: Hill is 10-4 as a starter with the 49ers, but has yet to put enough stats to rise up into the No. 1 Fantasy QB ranks. Consider him a No. 2 option in most leagues and maybe a bye-week replacement in deeper formats for Week 5.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill improved his career record at Candlestick Park to 7-0 during a 35-0 win in Week 4 against the Rams. He was 14 of 24 for 152 yards and four sacks. He threw a pair of second-half touchdowns. The first was a 13-yard strike to Vernon Davis in the third quarter and then he hit Josh Morgan on a 24-yard pass in the fourth.
Analysis: There's some concern Hill is taking too many hits. How did he feel? "I feel like I played in an NFL football game," he said with a chuckle. On 28 drop backs, Hill was sacked four times and hit numerous others. It's unlikely he'll hold up this season if he continues to get clobbered, but we can't worry about that since he is still in the lineup for the time being. Hill hasn't passed for more than 200 yards in three games and it seems he is just being asked to control the game. He does have four touchdowns in his last two outings, but Hill is still a low-end Fantasy QB heading into Week 5 against the Falcons.
News: San Francisco QB Shaun Hill enters Week 4 against the Rams looking to improve to 3-0 against the conference foes. He's looking for his third straight game against St. Louis with at least 2 touchdown passes and he's won four straight games against division opponents. Hill has been solid but not spectacular this season with 548 yards passing, 3 touchdowns and 1 pick.
Analysis: Hill has owned the Rams in the past and St. Louis owns one of the worst defenses in the NFL. That bodes well for Hill to have a very solid week against the conference rivals. One negative could be that Frank Gore is out for the game. The Rams will key on the passing game until Glen Coffee proves a suitable replacement. This could hurt Hill's value a bit and keeps him a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 4.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill only attempted 25 passes in spite of losing star RB Frank Gore to an ankle injury on the first play of the game and still managed to keep his team in the game right up to the last seconds of the game. Hill completed 15 of 25 passes -- seven to TE Vernon Davis -- for 195 yards with two touchdowns, both to Davis. He also threw an interception but really played well considering the matchup and the lack of a powerful rushing attack.
Analysis: Hill played well and should have the chance to post better totals next week when the 49ers host the Rams, especially if Gore remains out with an ankle injury. Consider him an excellent one-week replacement as quarterbacks begin to take their bye weeks.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill, who threw for 209 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, wasn't as much of a factor Week 2 against the Seahawks in a game dominated by RB Frank Gore. Hill completed 19 of 26 passes for 144 yards. He also had a 17-yard run.
Analysis: The 49ers hope to win on running and defense, so Hill will probably have a few games like this one where he plays the role of game manager. He has enough skills to make a Fanasy impact from time to time, but they'll be hard to predict, leaving him as little more than a bye-week replacement. Keep him reserved for Week 3 at Minnesota.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill will face a division opponent in Week 2 vs. Seattle. Last season against the Seahawks, he threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
Analysis: The Seahawks allowed just 170 yards passing in Week 1, but Hill's numbers indicate that he has had good success against Seattle in the past. He is a sleeper for a solid week as a low-end starter in deeper leagues if your starter faces a poor matchup.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill, who beat former first-rounder Alex Smith for the starting job this preseason after holding the job late last season, didn't disappoint in the season opener at Arizona. He completed 18 of 31 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He also lost a fumble. The touchdown pass was a three-yarder to RB Frank Gore in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Gore scored both of the team's touchdowns, showing he's cearly the focal point on offense, but Hill offered adequate support. He might be worth using as a bye-week replacement some point later this season, but he's still a low-end option because of his inexperience. The 49ers host the Seahawks in Week 2.
News:Shaun Hill didn't play a down until his fourth NFL season. He didn't throw a pass until his sixth. But now he's making up for lost time as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, a struggling franchise that will depend greatly on Hill this year to help end a string of six consecutive losing seasons. On a team known for great quarterbacks, Hill will be the fifth different player to start a season opener under center for the 49ers in the last seven years. San Francisco plays the defending NFC champion Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. It has been a long road for Hill, who had to work his way up from the No. 3 spot since joining the 49ers before the 2006 season. "There were times I thought this day would come. There were times I thought it wouldn't," he said. "That is just the ups and downs of my career. But since I have been here, things have worked out pretty well for me and I did feel that this would finally come."
Analysis: Hill held off a lukewarm challenge from former starter Alex Smith during training camp and the preseason. Hill also played well while starting San Francisco's final eight games in 2008. He led San Francisco to a 5-2 finish after taking over for struggling J.T. O'Sullivan. The 49ers have been impressed with the way the eighth-year veteran has taken command of the offense. "He already has been a successful player," offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said. "I think you would qualify his play the latter part of last year as being a successful quarterback. He's a guy that prepares and gets himself involved emotionally and physically in the game." On Sunday in Arizona, Hill returns to the place where he began to make believers of his coaches and teammates last season. In his first start of the year in November, Hill threw for two touchdowns and led the 49ers down the field to the Arizona 1-yard line in the final minute before a sideline meltdown prevented San Francisco from scoring before time expired. Historically, Hill has fared better at home than on the road, but the Cardinals were last in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed last season with 36. In deep leagues, Hill should be considered a sleeper for Week 1 and is worth using in this matchup.
News:Shaun Hill and the 49ers will face a divisional opponent in Week 1 when they travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals. But Hill faced the Cardinals just once last season, passing for 216 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in his only start against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Hill completed just 19 of 40 passes in what turned out to be his second-lowest rated start of the season. Historically, Hill has fared better at home than on the road, but the Cardinals were last in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed last season with 36. In deep leagues, Hill should be considered a sleeper for Week 1 and is worth using in this matchup.
News: 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said Tuesday that QB Shaun Hill has played well and has developed a good rapport with the receiving corps. "He's been throwing to the same guys all along," Raye said. "So, in terms of the people that he's been working with and where he's been in the game, they've been the same people. ... I think that chemistry is developing and is ongoing. I think it's improving."
Analysis: Hill's receiving corps is missing prize rookie Michael Crabtree, but he still has talent in Josh Morgan, Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. We like Hill as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, and he's worth drafting as a backup option for your team.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill shook off a back injury to start Saturday's preseason win over the Cowboys. Hill completed 9 of 17 passes for 79 yards. "I would have liked for it to have gone a bit smoother than it did," said Hill. "You can't tell a whole lot right now. I just wish we could have put a few more points on the board. ... There's just certain plays out there that we need to make, but we didn't. They were stopping those drives. Obviously, we have a lot of work yet to be done."
Analysis: Hill, the starting QB for the 49ers this season, comes into the year as a No. 2 Fantasy QB as long as he's healthy. He's worth a late-round pick in all leagues.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill will start the preseason game Saturday at Dallas but may not play the entire half. "He's doing fine," coach Mike Singletary said Friday. "It's just a little back strain, and he continues to make progress." Alex Smith is not expected to play against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Hill, the starting QB for the 49ers this season, comes into the year as a No. 2 Fantasy QB as long as he's healthy. He's worth a late-round pick in all leagues, and Smith should remain on the waiver wire after losing the job.
News: Quarterback Shaun Hill returned to practice for the 49ers and deemed himself healthy to play Saturday night at Dallas. Hill left Wednesday's training camp workout after throwing one pass because of a strained lower back that he injured Tuesday, and coach Mike Singletary said he was unsure of Hill's status for the Niners' third exhibition game against the Cowboys. Hill, named the regular-season starting QB Monday by Singletary over Alex Smith, said his back calmed down "quite a bit" and said it was never a major concern to him.
Analysis: We're glad to see Hill back at practice, and we're especially glad to see Hill as the 49ers' starting running back. He should post nominal passing totals with some rushing stats mixed in as he's not afraid to run with the football. We like him as a No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick in drafts.
News:Shaun Hill left the San Francisco 49ers' morning practice Wednesday after throwing one pass during team drills. Hill hurt his back during practice Tuesday and coach Mike Singletary said the quarterback was still feeling it a day later. "It was still there today," coach Mike Singletary said. "He probably could have pushed himself through practice, but I told him he didn't need to do that. Let the other guys get the reps and let's go."
Analysis: Hill shrugged off the injury and said he'll be fine and ready to play in Saturday's exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys. "I'll be fine," he said. He was named the regular season starter earlier this week. He is worth drafting as a low-end No. 2 option with a late-round pick.
News:Shaun Hill is going to start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers' season opener at Arizona on Sept. 13, beating out Alex Smith. Coach Mike Singletary made the announcement before Monday afternoon's practice at the team's Santa Clara headquarters. Singletary had been hesitant to say who was leading the competition and each QB earned one exhibition start.
Analysis: The 29-year-old Hill went 5-3 over the Niners' final eight games last season and was 2-0 as a fill-in starter in 2007. He has shown he can lead the team and, ultimately, win. Hill's success down the stretch helped Singletary get the interim tag removed from his title heading into 2009. Hill is worth drafting as a low-end No. 2 option. Smith is now a No. 3 Fantasy QB.
News:Alex Smith showed he can deliver a crushing block and bring down a ball carrier with a tackle. Unfortunately for Smith, those tasks are secondary when it comes to being an NFL quarterback. It was when he was called upon to pass that Smith struggled. Smith completed 3 of 9 passes and threw an interception in what might have been his last chance to beat out Shaun Hill for San Francisco's starting quarterback job before the 49ers held off the Oakland Raiders 21-20 Saturday night. Hill, who started the exhibition opener, wasn't a whole lot better, going 3 for 7 for 20 yards. Coach Mike Singletary would like to pick a starter before next week's exhibition game in Dallas, putting more importance on this game. "I wanted to see both of them do more in the time they were in," Singletary said.
Analysis: Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft, is running out of time to convince Singletary that he should be the starter this season. Expected to be San Francisco's franchise quarterback, Smith instead has struggled when healthy before missing much of 2007 and all of last season with an injured shoulder. Continue to monitor the QB battle, and we'll find out who wins during the rest of the preseason. But Hill has more Fantasy value and would be worth drafting as a low-end No. 2 option if he's the starter. Smith would be a No. 3 Fantasy QB.
News: 49ers coach Mike Singletary said Friday that Alex Smith will be the starting QB in Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders. Shaun Hill, who's competing with Smith for the job, started the previous game.
Analysis: This doesn't come as much surprise since Singletary wants to give each QB a chance to start. We still expect Hill to win the job, and there was a report in the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat this week that Hill "he pretty clearly moved ahead" of Smith. Continue to monitor the QB battle, and we'll find out who wins during the rest of the preseason. But Hill has more Fantasy value and would be worth drafting as a low-end No. 2 option if he's the starter. Smith would be a No. 3 Fantasy QB.
News: The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports that Shaun Hill has "has pretty clearly moved ahead" of Alex Smith in the QB competition in San Francisco. The report says "Smith remains in the race, but he'll have to perform very well in the next two exhibition games if he has any chance to open the season as the starter." Hill started the first preseason game against Denver.
Analysis: We still like Hill to be the starter ahead of Smith, and Hill has more Fantasy value as a No. 2 QB. If Smith continues to progress as reported, he would be a No. 3 Fantasy option. Continue to monitor the QB battle, and we'll find out who wins during the rest of the preseason.
News: San Francisco starter Shaun Hill completed two crisp passes to TE Vernon Davis for 41 yards while leading the Niners on a 58-yard scoring drive to start the game. He also rushed for 9 yards when he escaped the Broncos' pass rush and made a play. Alex Smith, playing with the second unit, took over and threw an easy touchdown pass following a Denver turnover. He finished with 33 yards on 5 of 7 passing. Neither Hill nor Smith did anything flashy to stand out -- not that coach Mike Singletary expected to have a good gauge of who might be his top QB after just one preseason game. He hasn't decided on a starter for the second preseason game, next Saturday against the Oakland Raiders.
Analysis: Hill went 5-3 last season after being named the starter midway through the year. Smith missed all the 2008 season after re-injuring his surgically repaired right shoulder in practice three days before the season opener. We think Hill is the better fit after his strong finish last season but Smith is making the decision tough on the Niners' coaches as he's performed efficiently. Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009 if he wins the job, and he'd be worth a late-round pick as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. Smith isn't even worth a draft pick at this point -- let him prove to you that he's capable of starting for the Niners first before giving him the nod with a valuable draft choice. Let's not forget one thing: Frank Gore is the heart and soul of this offense, and that means whomever wins the QB job won't be in line for a glut of stats so long as Gore is healthy because the Niners will do a lot of running.
News:Shaun Hill will start at quarterback in the San Francisco 49ers' exhibition opener Friday night against the Denver Broncos. Coach Mike Singletary insists this is no hint who will be under center come the regular season. Hill, who worked with the No. 1 offense during the team's walkthrough Thursday, doesn't have a specific number of plays he will get. Singletary says the flow of the game will dictate when he turns the offense over to Alex Smith and the other quarterbacks. Hill and Smith have been fairly even through the first 13 days of training camp.
Analysis: Hill went 5-3 last season after being named the starter midway through the year. Smith missed all the 2008 season after re-injuring his surgically repaired right shoulder in practice three days before the season opener. We think Hill is the better fit after his strong finish last season but Smith is making the decision tough on the Niners' coaches as he's performed mostly well this summer. Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009 if he wins the job, and he'd be worth a late-round pick as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. Smith isn't even worth a draft pick at this point -- let him prove to you that he's capable of starting for the Niners first before giving him the nod with a valuable draft choice. Let's not forget one thing: Frank Gore is the heart and soul of this offense, and that means whomever wins the QB job won't be in line for a glut of stats so long as Gore is healthy.
News: Coach Mike Singletary might wait until Thursday before deciding on a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers' exhibition opener against Denver. Incumbent Shaun Hill and former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith have been fairly even through the first 10 days of training camp, and both should get plenty of chances against the Broncos on Friday night. Singletary plans to keep the competition going through the third preseason game Aug. 29 at Dallas, naming a starter soon after that game. No surprise, both QBs have said they expect to win the job.
Analysis: Hill went 5-3 last season after being named the starter midway through the year. Smith missed all the 2008 season after re-injuring his surgically repaired right shoulder in practice three days before the season opener. We think Hill is the better fit after his strong finish last season but Smith is making the decision tough on the Niners' coaches as he's performed mostly well this summer. Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009 if he wins the job, and he'd be worth a late-round pick as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. Smith isn't even worth a draft pick at this point -- let him prove to you that he's capable of starting for the Niners first before giving him the nod with a valuable draft choice. Let's not forget one thing: Frank Gore is the heart and soul of this offense, and that means whomever wins the QB job won't be in line for a glut of stats so long as Gore is healthy.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports 49ers QB Shaun Hill, who will battle Alex Smith for the starting job, likes what the team did this offseason on offense. "I think we brought in some guys that are going to help us," said Hill, referring to such additions as WR Michael Crabtree, RB Glen Coffee and tackle Marvel Smith. "The guys who were here are better than they were a year ago. I think we're a much improved offense." Add those players to Frank Gore, Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan and Vernon Davis, and the 49ers have a good offensive unit with the chance to surprise people.
Analysis: Hill would like the chance to play with this group, so all he has to do is beat out Smith in the QB competition during training camp. We like Hill's Fantasy value slightly better than Smith, and Hill has the potential to be a No. 2 QB in all leagues. As you can see, the offense in San Francisco could be good, and Hill has the talent to make it a solid offense.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle had an offseason minicamp wrap-up feature that highlighted Alex Smith's progression from unmotivated backup to potential starter. Smith reportedly dazzled in the club's final minicamp, throwing accurately and leading several scoring drives in red-zone drills while Shaun Hill, the incumbent, didn't fare as well. The paper also noted that Hill has long been a slow learner, even in weeks during the season when he'd look awful on Wednesday, tune up by Friday and play well on Sunday (he's 7-3 as a starter). It all adds up to a training camp battle that head coach Mike Singletary previously called a "great competition."
Analysis: With all the news and hub-bub we've delivered this spring, we still feel like this is Hill's job to lose. But with so much up in the air, Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009. He'll be worth a late-round draft pick this summer as a No. 2 Fantasy QB -- and that's assuming he is the starter. Smith isn't even worth a draft pick at this point -- let him prove to you that he's capable of starting for the Niners first before giving him the nod with a valuable draft choice. Let's not forget one thing: Frank Gore is the heart and soul of this offense, and that means whomever wins the QB job won't be in line for a glut of stats so long as Gore is healthy.
News: 49ers coach Mike Singletary said Tuesday following practice that the QB battle between Shaun Hill and Alex is "level now." Singletary is expected to name a starter following the preseason games. "I think before the offseason really started, I wasn't really sure where Alex was," Singletary said. "I think in order for he and Shaun to compete on level ground, he had to get healthy. I think he had to get his mind focused. I think he had to let go of some of the bitterness that's happened to him, some of the bad things and get the bad taste out of his mouth and be ready to go. I think that's happened. Very excited about that. So, he and Shaun, when we come back, it will be a great competition." Singletary was asked if Hill is leading the competition. "I don't think anyone's leading the competition right now," he said. "I've never heard anybody say that Shaun was leading the competition." But, Singletary then added, "you can say, technically, Shaun is the guy until proved different."
Analysis: The last quote from Singletary is the most telling since Smith has to unseat Hill as the No. 1 option. We still like Hill to be the starter ahead of Smith, and Hill has more Fantasy value as a No. 2 QB. If Smith continues to progress as reported, he would be a No. 3 Fantasy option. Continue to monitor the QB battle, and we'll find out who wins during training camp.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that 49ers GM Scot McCloughan said QB Alex Smith's recent performance was "the best I've seen him throw." Asked about those comments, coach Mike Singletary was more reserved. "Nothing means anything until (Smith is) out there facing some live bullets," Singletary said. "All of a sudden, all form and technique and everything else goes when you've got guys coming at you. So, I think it's important to look at it and compliment him where compliments are needed. Both of them (Smith and Shaun Hill). But at the same time, when those bullets start flying, there's not a whole lot of information that we know." Preseason games will provide a better measure, Singletary said.
Analysis: We still like Hill to be the starter ahead of Smith, and Hill has more Fantasy value as a No. 2 QB. If Smith continues to progress as reported, he would be a No. 3 Fantasy option. Continue to monitor the QB battle, and we'll find out who wins during training camp.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill said he is not worried about the competition for the starting job with Alex Smith. Early reports are Smith has done well, but Hill is just worried about his own play. "To be honest with you, I try not to think about it too much," Hill said Tuesday. "I'm just going out there and trying to improve every day. Do whatever I have to do to be the best I can be. I've really tried to put that thought on the backburner and just try to concentrate on myself and what I'm doing out there." Hill feels like he has shown enough to be named the starter. ""I feel like I've proven that I can win, and I can win with this team. Obviously, winning is the most important thing." Hill also said he can see improvement in Smith, who was hurt last season with an injured shoulder. "I like seeing him throw the ball well. He is," Hill said. "He's throwing it well. It's got a lot of zip on it right now, and his accuracy is coming back. He's looking good out there. I like what I see out there."
Analysis: Hill added he likes the new offensive under first-year coordinator Jimmy Raye. "Yeah, there are going to be some differences," Hill said. "We've definitely mixed in our drops more: three-step, five-step, seven-step. Whereas last year was predominantly seven-step. So this is nice to be able to have all three of those, as well as play actions – every kind of play action you could imagine, we have. So, that is nice, and I think it fits us well." We still like Hill to win the job and perform well in this new offense. The 49ers have said they will not name a starter until during the preseason games, so continue to monitor what happens. Consider Hill a No. 2 Fantasy option if he starts, and draft him with a late-round pick. Smith would be a No. 3 QB and not worth drafting in most seasonal leagues.
News: The Press Democrat reports that 49ers QB Alex Smith could have the early edge over Shaun Hill in the competition for the starting job. The report states: "Smith would clearly have to win the competition on the practice field to wrestle the starting QB job away from Shaun Hill. Based on the practice field, Smith does look to have the advantage." But the report also adds that Smith would have to continue to play well during the preseason games before coach Mike Singletary would make the call to go with Smith over Hill.
Analysis: We still like Hill to be the starter ahead of Smith, and Hill has more Fantasy value as a No. 2 QB. If Smith continues to progress as reported, he would be a No. 3 Fantasy option. Continue to monitor the QB battle, and we'll find out who wins during training camp.
News: 49ers coach Mike Singletary was not impressed with either Shaun Hill or Alex Smith at the team's OTA workout Monday. Both quarterbacks have "got a ways to go," Singletary said. When asked if Smith looked healthy following last year's shoulder woes, Singletary said, "Yes, he does. He looks healthy. He's making some good throws. Obviously, a little rusty, but at the same time, I think he and Shaun, they just have to continue to compete. But, at the same time, not so much against each other, but against the best quarterbacks in the league because that's what it's going to take for us to win." Smith agreed with his coach that he feels healthy. "Feeling good," Smith said. "It's coming. ... I don't feel like there's many throws on the field that I can't make right now."
Analysis: This is a good sign that Smith is healthy, but the competition between him and Hill is just beginning. We still like Hill to win the job, and he enters this season as a sleeper. But he has to beat out Smith, who has been a bust so far in his career. Continue to monitor what happens and see who ends up on top and starting. If it's Hill as expected, consider him a solid No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye doesn't think the team will choose a starting QB before the preseason begins in mid-August. Up for the job are incumbent Shaun Hill and former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith. Both worked during the club's recent rookie minicamp. "I don't think it will go into September," Raye said. "I think we will have a little bit better idea, but I'd like to see them both play football. A lot of decisions are sometimes made in anticipation of how they will actually play football, but I'd like to see some of that, so the exhibition season will be part of that process."
Analysis: Raye also announced that the 49ers' offense won't be as run-based as previously believed, especially after the club drafted Michael Crabtree with their first-round pick. Hill was solid in eight starts as he completed 181-of-288 passes (62.8 pct.) for 2,046 yards (7.10 yards per attempt) with 13 touchdowns, two fumbles lost and eight interceptions. Hill also rushed for two touchdowns and padded his stat line with 115 rushing yards. Smith, meanwhile, didn't play in 2008 because of his hurt shoulder and has 19 touchdowns and 31 interceptions in 32 career NFL games. We think this is Hill's job to lose, so as long as he adapts to the offense quickly (he says he already comfortable with it) and outperforms Smith. But with so much up in the air, Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009. He'll be worth a late-round draft pick this summer but start the year as a No. 2 Fantasy QB -- and that's assuming he is the starter. Smith isn't even worth a draft pick at this point -- let him prove to you that he's capable of starting for the Niners first.
News: The San Francisco 49ers selected WR Michael Crabtree in the NFL draft, snatching up the Texas Tech star when he unexpectedly slipped to the 10th pick. Crabtree won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best college receiver after both of his two seasons with the Red Raiders, where he caught 231 passes for 41 touchdowns. He was widely expected to be the first receiver selected, but Crabtree might have slipped in teams' estimation when a stress fracture was discovered in his left foot at the combine, forcing him to cancel several workouts for NFL clubs. He has mostly recovered from surgery on the injury, but nine teams passed on him - including the nearby Oakland Raiders, who went with Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Analysis: Obviously, Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are elated that the Niners didn't invest in a rookie QB, and they're elated to compete for the right to pass to Crabtree and fellow WR Isaac Bruce in training camp. Look for Hill to win the job based on how he played last season, and we like Hill as a sleeper No. 2 Fantasy QB. Smith has proven to be a bust, and is not worth drafting in any leagues unless he really shines this preseason, which would stun us.
News: With the first game of 2009 still more than five months away, 49ers head coach Mike Singletary has begun evaluating whether Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, Damon Huard or a yet-to-be-signed-or-drafted passer will be his starter in the fall. Smith and Hill are neck-and-neck after Smith's contract renegotiation and Hill's late-season success last year, but Singletary clearly is keeping every option open. Hill is 7-3 as a starter over the last two seasons, but Singletary has refused to give him the starting nod. Smith, the former No. 1 draft pick who restructured his contract to take another shot at the starting job after missing most of the last two seasons with injuries, said he isn't limited in any throwing work after undergoing shoulder surgery last year.
Analysis: The belief is that head coach Mike Singletary wants to use more of a power-run game offensively, which would take the ball out of his quarterback's hands far more than in Mike Martz's system (Jimmy Raye is the new 49ers offensive coordinator). Hill was solid in eight starts as he completed 181-of-288 passes (62.8 pct.) for 2,046 yards (7.10 yards per attempt) with 13 touchdowns, two fumbles lost and eight interceptions. Hill also rushed for two touchdowns and padded his stat line with 115 rushing yards. Smith, meanwhile, didn't play in 2008 because of his hurt shoulder and has 19 touchdowns and 31 interceptions in 32 career NFL games. We think this is Hill's job to lose, so as long as he adapts to the offense quickly (he says he already comfortable with it) and outperforms Smith, he'll be the Niners' guy in 2009. But with so much up in the air, Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009. He'll be worth a late-round draft pick next summer but start the year as a No. 2 Fantasy QB -- and that's assuming he is the starter in San Francisco. Smith isn't even worth a draft pick at this point -- let him prove to you that he's capable of starting for the Niners first.
News:Shaun Hill left the 49ers' training complex Monday with no idea whether the team expects him to return to the starting job after he led the club to five wins in its final seven games. Hill was promoted at midseason, and the veteran backup was among the NFL's most efficient passers during the surge. "I don't know what to think, I really don't," said Hill, who's 7-3 as a starter over the last two seasons, including 5-0 at Candlestick Park. "You never really know what the perception is, and that's not for me to decide. I feel like I definitely played hard. Sometimes it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, but I feel like everyone in this league ... has those moments."
Analysis: Hill's starting status hinges on a lot of things, including the status of former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith and who the offensive coordinator will be (Mike Martz is no lock to return). The belief is that head coach Mike Singletary wants to use more of a power-run game, which would take the ball out of Hill's hands more than he had it in games this year. With so much up in the air, Hill can't be trusted as anything more than a sleeper for 2009. He'll be worth a late-round draft pick next summer but start the year as a No. 2 Fantasy QB -- and that's assuming he is the starter in San Francisco.
News: San Francisco QB Shaun Hill passed for 245 yards and drove the 49ers 51 yards in the waning seconds, hitting Michael Robinson and Bryant Johnson with long passes before Joe Nedney won it with his second field goal of the final minutes of Week 17's win over Washington. Hill, whose promotion by Mike Singletary clearly sparked the 49ers' second-half surge, went 21-for-30, rushed for an early score and threw a TD pass while remaining unbeaten in five games as a starter at Candlestick Park.
Analysis: Hill took over at the helm of the Niners in Week 8 against Seattle and finished up with a record of 5-4. He definitely looked good leading San Francisco passed Washington in Week 17 and has improved his taking over. His yearly numbers finish at 2,046 yards and 12 touchdowns with eight interceptions in just nine games. Hill was looked upon as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 17 and that is likely a little high yet for 2009 but he could still definitely become a sleeper useful of picks in the later rounds in Fantasy drafts.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill got off to a terrible start Week 16 at St. Louis, throwing three interceptions in the first three quarters. But he rebounded with two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, including a three-yarder to Isaac Bruce and a 48-yarder to Josh Morgan. He finished 18-of-34 passing for 216 yards. He also had four rushes for 45 yards.
Analysis: Hill had played well since taking over as starter, throwing 10 touchdown passes compared to four interceptions, so his Fantasy owners expected him to dominate against a poor Rams defense. Obviously, that didn't quite happen. But the rushing yards and late touchdown passes salvaged a poor performance from him, making him a decent choice in Fantasy still. Treat him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 17 against the Redskins.
News: There are plenty of motivating factors for QB Shaun Hill and the 49ers this week. You have Mike Martz and Isaac Bruce going back to St. Louis, and Hill grew up nearby in Parsons, Kansas, and could have plenty of friends and family at the game. He also played well against the Rams earlier this year in San Francisco with 213 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and a rushing touchdown.
Analysis: It helps that the Rams defense is terrible, and Hill continues to shine this season. Keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy QB against the Rams.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill completed 30-of-46 passes for 223 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a Week 15 loss at Miami.
Analysis: For a guy who completed 30 passes, 223 yards was a pathetic total on Sunday by Hill. He failed to take advantage of a weak Miami secondary, although he clearly missed the presence of Frank Gore. In Week 16, San Francisco plays at St. Louis, so Hill will have a chance to redeem himself against the sorry Rams. He will likely be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option for that matchup, but it will take some guts to start him in your championship game. Hill completed 15-of-20 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams earlier this year.
News: Most players who go from the West Coast to the East Coast for 1 p.m. starts don't play well, but San Francisco QB Shaun Hill and the 49ers are the only team to win a game this year in that scenario at Buffalo in Week 12. Hill, who plays at Miami this week, has at least two touchdowns in four of five starts this season, and the Dolphins secondary can be exposed. In Miami's last home game in Week 12 against New England, Matt Cassel passed for more than 400 yards and three touchdowns. The Dolphins have allowed 16 passing touchdowns this season, and the 49ers could be throwing more than usual this week if Frank Gore (ankle) is out or limited.
Analysis: Consider Hill a low-end No. 1 Fantasy guard against the Dolphins and hope he continues to play well on the East Coast.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill threw two touchdown passes for the fourth time in five games Week 14 against the Jets, finishing 28-of-39 passing for 285 yards. He did throw an interception, but he also had an eight-yard run.
Analysis: Hill has averaged 225.3 yards passing through six starts since taking over for J.T. O'Sullivan, and he's obviously throwing plenty of touchdown passes. As crazy as it sounds, he looks like a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 15 at Miami. You can't argue with the numbers.
News: Following his first road win of the season, 49ers QB Shaun Hill drew plenty of praise from coach Mike Singletary, who thinks he has a future in this league as a starter. "What he's doing right now is exactly what I knew he could do, and that's just manage that game," the coach said. "But now, as I ask him to take it to the next level, he's the one that has to decide, 'Can I get to that next level?' ... It's on him to prove whether he can do it, but certainly the opportunity is there right now."
Analysis: Hill completed 14-of-23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in the Week 13 win over the Bills. He also ran four times for zero yards. The weather affected his performance, and more often than not, he has played well enough to serve as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. The 49ers play the Jets in Week 14.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill completed 14-of-23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in a Week 13 10-3 win over the Bills. He also ran four times for zero yards.
Analysis: Hill had a great outing in Week 12, but just couldn't keep things going in Week 13 as the weather was not the most conducive to Fantasy success in Buffalo. The 49ers host the Jets in Week 14, which is an OK matchup as New York is very tough against the run and Hill will likely have to chuck the ball around if the Rams want to stay competitive. Consider him an emergency No. 2 option at best, though.
News: This will be the fourth time a team from the West Coast has come to Buffalo for a 1 p.m. start, and the previous three quarterbacks have played poorly. Matt Hasselbeck (190 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception), JaMarcus Russell (156 yards and one touchdown) and Philip Rivers (208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception) all flew to Buffalo for the early game and struggled, and 49ers QB Shaun Hill will be the next in line.
Analysis: Hill is coming off a great game at Dallas with 303 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception, but the Bills have done well in pass coverage this year and should hold Hill in check. Consider Hill a No. 2 Fantasy option this week.
News: In the 49ers' 35-22 loss at the Cowboys in Week 12, QB Shaun Hill completed 21-of-33 passes for 303 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. This was Hill's first 300-yard game, topping his previous passing high of 217 yards from two weeks ago. Hill made good use of Isaac Bruce early, helping him pace his way to the 300-yard mark while playing from behind against the Cowboys.
Analysis: The Niners might have lost, but Hill has more than proven in three starts that he is the best man for the quarterbacking job in San Francisco. Hill has thrown at least two touchdowns in each of his last three games and obviously has the ability to put up a strong yardage number. That said, consider Hill a low-end No. 1/top-end No. 2 Fantasy QB in Week 13 when he and the 49ers play at the Bills, whose defense is thrashed by injuries.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill, coming off a decent first start in Week 10, looked even better Week 11 at San Francisco. He finished 15-of-20 passing for 213 yards and two touchdowns -- one to Vernon Davis and one to Bryant Johnson. He also scored a touchdown on a one-yard run, finishing with three carries for five yards.
Analysis: Hill certainly made a statement, but keep in mind that statement came against the lowly Rams. Still, any quarterback playing for Mike Martz deserves a look in Fantasy, and Hill so far deserves a longer look than J.T. O'Sullivan ever did. Put in a claim for Hill, but you probably want to keep him reserved for Week 12 at Dallas.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill played well in his first start last week at Arizona with 217 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and nearly led the 49ers to victory. Hill now faces the Rams, who have allowed 237.6 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. This is also offensive coordinator Mike Martz vs. one of his former teams, and WR Isaac Bruce is also facing the Rams for the first time since they released him last year.
Analysis: The 49ers are looking to rebound from last week's late-game failures against Arizona. The Rams gave up 47 points last week at the Jets, so the 49ers offense has a chance to get going this week with Hill leading the way. Consider Hill a good solid option in Week 11.
News:Shaun Hill's comeback attempt Week 10 against the Cardinals ended at the 2-yard line when Michael Robinson was stuffed on a run on the final play of the game. San Francisco ended up losing 29-24 after leading 21-13 at the half. Hill's 14-yard pass to Jason Hill moved the ball to the Arizona 1. With the last few seconds ticking off, 49ers running back Frank Gore was pushed by a defensive player as he ran around left end, then stumbled to the ground just outside the 2. After officials reviewed the play to make sure Gore was down by contact, the 49ers handed off to the fullback Robinson, who was stuffed nowhere near the goal line. Hill, replacing the benched J.T. O'Sullivan for his third career start in seven NFL seasons, threw for two touchdowns in the first half but lost a fumble and threw two interceptions in the second. He finished 19-of-40 for 217 yards.
Analysis: Hill did a pretty good job in the first half as he found Josh Morgan on a 31-yard touchdown strike and Vernon Davis for an acrobatic 18-yard catch over Adrian Wilson. However, the Cardinals made the right adjustments after halftime and Hill led his team on just one scoring drive. Hill has past experience running the 49ers offense from last season, so the training wheels were not on against Arizona. If he played like he did in the first half, he could have had a real nice game. Hill appears to be coach Mike Singletary's choice at quarterback, but Hill remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy option heading into Week 11 against the Rams.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill, recently named the team's starter over J.T. O'Sullivan, feels like he knows the offense better than he did in the preseason, when he struggled and couldn't secure the starting job. "I feel like I'm a lot further along than I was in training camp," Hill said. "Being able to sit back and watch J.T. in the offense helped as well, to kind of see some of those things in action that coach (Mike) Martz was talking about in training camp. These (last) eight weeks, I've continued to learn the offense, and I feel far more advanced in it now than I was back in August."
Analysis: Hill led the 49ers to two wins after taking over late last season, so he has the potential to make a Fantasy impact, particularly in a Mike Martz offense. Take a flier on him if you have a desperate need for a quarterback. He has the same sleeper potential O'Sullivan had earlier in the season. The 49ers have a bye in Week 9 before visiting the Cardinals in Week 10.
News: The 49ers promoted QB Shaun Hill to starting quarterback Monday after he replaced a turnover-prone J.T. O'Sullivan in the second half Week 8 against the Seahawks. "We just felt like right now, Shaun gave us the best chance of winning," coach Mike Singletary said in the parking lot of the 49ers' training complex before leaving for the day. "Some of the things that have happened with the turnovers and all that, J.T. just needed to take a little time and gather himself." Hill finished 15-of-23 passing for 173 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks.
Analysis: Hill led the 49ers to two wins after taking over late last season, so he has the potential to make a Fantasy impact, particularly in a Mike Martz offense. Take a flier on him if you have a desperate need for a quarterback. He has the same sleeper potential O'Sullivan had earlier in the season. The 49ers have a bye in Week 9 before visiting the Cardinals in Week 10.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill replaced J.T. O'Sullivan in the second half after O'Sullivan turned the ball over twice. Hill looked much better, finishing 15-of-23 passing for 173 yards and a touchdown. He also ran twice for 20 yards. The touchdown pass went to Jason Hill.
Analysis: Hill led the 49ers to two wins after taking over late last season, so he has the potential to make a Fantasy impact, particularly in a Mike Martz offense. Take a flier on him if you have a desperate need for a quarterback. He has the same sleeper potential O'Sullivan had earlier in the season. The 49ers have a bye in Week 9 before visiting the Cardinals in Week 10.
News: Niners QB J.T. O'Sullivan was sacked six times in Week 7 at the N.Y. Giants. He fumbled four times, losing one of them and was also intercepted once faced with relentless defensive pressure by the Giants. O'Sullivan did throw for 256 yards and a touchdown, however. 49ers coach Mike Nolan will think about a quarterback change this week, he said after the game. Shaun Hill was the backup on Sunday.
Analysis: O'Sullivan seemed to fumble the ball every time the Giants got some pressure on him in the game. He did seem to develop a good rapport with rookie receiver Josh Morgan, something that hadn't yet spilled over from the preseason. But other than that, his options were limited. Isaac Bruce had just three catches for 47 yards and Frank Gore was second on the team in receiving, catching three passes for 50 yards out of the backfield. O'Sullivan has been one of the least efficient passers in the league this season and should not be trusted as anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB during the bye weeks if he retains his job. The same would go for Hill. The Niners travel to Washington in Week 8.
News: The following 49ers players did not record any offensive statistics in Week 7 at the N.Y. Giants: QB Shaun Hill, TE Billy Bajema, RB DeShaun Foster, WR Bryant Johnson, TE/LS Brian Jennings and WR Jason Hill.
Analysis: None of the players on this list should be considered viable Fantasy option. Not even Bryant Johnson. They are not in a position to contribute regular stats as they aren't in line for regular playing time. They've got some depth chart climbing to do and should be left on the waiver wire.
News: San Francisco TEs Brian Jennings and Billy Bajema, FB Zak Keasey, and WRs Bryant Johnson and Jason Hill all played in Week 6's game against the Eagles. None recorded any stats. Backup QB Shaun Hill did not play in the game but was active.
Analysis: None of the players on this list are going to be in line for considerable playing time anytime soon. Leave them on the waiver wire in all Fantasy leagues until further notice.
News: 49ers RB Michael Robinson, FB Zak Keasey, TE Billy Bajema, TE Brian Jennings, WR Jason Hill, QB Shaun Hill and RB DeShaun Foster all dressed for San Francisco's Week 5 loss to the Patriots but did not record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Foster is the only one in this list with any kind of Fantasy value, but his is minimal at best. Continue to ignore them all in Week 6 vs. Philadelphia.
News: The following 49ers players did not record any offensive statistics in Week 3 vs. Detroit: QB Shaun Hill, TE Billy Bajema, RB Michael Robinson, TE Brian Jennings and WR Jason Hill.
Analysis: None of the players on this list are going to be in line for considerable playing time anytime soon. Leave them on the waiver wire in all Fantasy leagues until further notice. They've got some depth chart climbing to do.
News: San Francisco FB Zak Keasey started against the Seahawks in Week 2 but did not record any stats. The following 49ers also played in Sunday's Week 2 game without recording any Fantasy-relevant production: RB Michael Robinson, RB DeShaun Foster, TE Delanie Walker, TE Billy Bajema, TE Brian Jennings and WR Jason Hill. Quarterback Shaun Hill dressed but did not play as the backup to J.T. O'Sullivan.
Analysis: Keasey caught two passes Week 1 and fumbled. That bought him no stats in Week 2. Expect more of that throughout the year. He's not worth starting in Fantasy and neither are the other members of the 49ers who went without stats on Sunday.
News: With J.T. O'Sullivan starting and Alex Smith inactive for Week 1 against the Cardinals, 49ers backup QB Shaun Hill was just that. He did not get into game action.
Analysis: If Hill continues to get the nod as the team's No. 2 QB he could gain some Fantasy relevance in the future. O'Sullivan wasn't particularly great against the Cardinals and though he'll probably get some more time to prove himself, Hill will be waiting in the wings. In a Mike Martz-led offense, Hill could benefit and succeed where O'Sullivan might not. That's just speculation though and Hill should be avoided in all Fantasy leagues until further notice.
News: The San Francisco 49ers added quarterback Alex Smith to their injury report Saturday, listing him as doubtful for Sunday's game against Arizona with another problem in his surgically repaired right shoulder. Shaun Hill will be the backup against the Cardinals.
Analysis: The 49ers didn't specify what was wrong with Smith, only saying the injury occurred without contact during practice Friday. Smith, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, was expected to back up J.T. O'Sullivan, who beat out Smith for the starting job in training camp. Smith was only a handcuff option for O'Sullivan in deeper leagues, but now he's not even that. Neither Smith or Hill is worth owning in Fantasy right now.
News:J.T. O'Sullivan will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers when the NFL regular season begins in September. O'Sullivan clinched the job with a strong performance during Thursday night's 37-30 exhibition victory over Chicago, and 49ers coach Mike Nolan said it was time to make O'Sullivan's status official after a summer of uncertainty. "J.T. O'Sullivan will be our starting quarterback going into the season and I'm expecting him to succeed," Nolan said Friday. "I'm very confident J.T. is at the point where he's our best man for the job right now." O'Sullivan, a long shot to become the starter when training camp began at the end of July, overtook veteran holdovers Alex Smith and Shaun Hill during the past two weeks.
Analysis: O'Sullivan was picked to start San Francisco's preseason opener Aug. 8 against Oakland and has been practicing and playing with the first unit since. He didn't take any snaps in 11-on-11 team drills during the first seven days of training camp as Smith and Hill got all the work. Nolan said Smith, the team's regular starter the past two seasons, would be O'Sullivan's backup entering the season while Hill would assume the role as the team's No. 3 quarterback. The 49ers invested $24 million in guaranteed money in Smith as part of a $49.5 million deal when they made him the No. 1 overall selection in the 2005 draft. They also signed Hill to a $6 million contract this year after he went 2-0 as a starter last December following injuries to Smith and backup Trent Dilfer. Neither Smith or Hill is worth owning in Fantasy right now.
News:Shaun Hill was the third QB to play in the 49ers' third preseason game at Chicago on Thursday. He completed 6-of-7 passes for 60 yards playing mostly in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Originally expected to unseat former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith for the starting job, Hill looks like the No. 3/emergency QB for the Niners because J.T. O'Sullivan has outperformed both Smith and Hill. Thus, Hill shouldn't be considered for Fantasy play unless he falls into a situation where he sees regular playing time. Don't count on that happening so soon.
News: The San Francisco 49ers team site reports that QB J.T. O'Sullivan has been named by coach Mike Nolan as Saturday's starter against the Green Bay Packers. The rotation with Alex Smith and Shaun Hill will be virtually the same as last week with Smith backing up O'Sullivan and Hill following the pair.
Analysis: Perhaps O'Sullivan has an edge because of his familiarity with Mike Martz's offensive scheme. Don't ask us who's in the lead for the Niners' starting QB job, because we don't know. And we don't think the 49ers know, either. No 49ers QBs should be drafted in standard or even deeper Fantasy leagues to begin with, and whomever does win out would be no better than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. Expect Mike Martz's offense to be very run heavy in 2008.
News: After being locked in a dead heat for weeks in a battle of who's worse, QBs Alex Smith and Shaun Hill made way for J.T. O'Sullivan to compete, and he's made it a three-horse race. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that O'Sullivan has taken twice as many reps as Smith and Hill since July 30. No one has been named the starter for the regular season, or their next preseason game vs. Green Bay for that matter. "The lack of consistency in who's out there practicing is what everyone faces, and we're facing a little bit of this. It's a normal thing. You work through it," head coach Mike Nolan said.
Analysis: Perhaps O'Sullivan has an edge because of his familiarity with Mike Martz's offensive scheme. Don't ask us who's in the lead for the Niners' starting QB job, because we don't know. And we don't think the 49ers know, either. No 49ers QBs should be drafted in standard or even deeper Fantasy leagues to begin with, and whomever does win out would be no better than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. Expect Mike Martz's offense to be very run heavy in 2008.
News: San Francisco QB Shaun Hill, vying with Alex Smith to become the 49ers starter this season, was the third quarterback in the game Friday against the Raiders. Hill started slowly but finished strong-er. He threw for 75 yards on 9-of-18 passing with an interception that came very early in his outing. Still, Smith looked slightly sharper and was the only Niners QB not to throw an interception.
Analysis: Smith is the leading candidate to start the season for the 49ers, with Hill second and O'Sullivan third. Whoever wins the starting job could be a decent sleeper since Mike Martz is now the offensive coordinator in San Franciso. Keep an eye on what develops, but it's not a bad idea to take a late-round flier on the 49ers' starting QB as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:J.T. O'Sullivan will start at quarterback for the 49ers in their exhibition opener Friday against the Raiders in Oakland, according to the San Jose Mercury News. But Coach Mike Nolan insists the former UC-Davis standout has not risen to the top of the depth chart. Alex Smith and Shaun Hill will also see playing time.
Analysis: Nolan said he simply wants to see how O'Sullivan handles game situations, noting that he already knows what Smith and Hill can do. Smith is the leading candidate to start the season for the 49ers, with Hill second and O'Sullivan third. Whoever wins the starting job could be a decent sleeper since Mike Martz is now the offensive coordinator in San Franciso. Keep an eye on what develops, but it's not a bad idea to take a late-round flier on the 49ers' starting QB as a No. 2 Fantasy option. Hill has dealt with a shoulder injury in camp, but expected to play Friday night at Oakland.
News: The Mercury News reports the 49ers first depth chart lists the No. 1 quarterback as Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan as sharing the job. All three are in a competition to win the job, and no one has been listed as the starter yet for Friday's preseason opener against Oakland.
Analysis: Smith is the leading candidate to start the season for the 49ers, with Hill second and O'Sullivan third. Whoever wins the starting job could be a decent sleeper since Mike Martz is now the offensive coordinator in San Franciso. Keep an eye on what develops, but it's not a bad idea to take a late-round flier on the 49ers' starting QB as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill rested a tired throwing shoulder by sitting out practice Thursday, giving his reps with the first team to J.T. O'Sullivan, a career third-string QB. The 49ers have put Hill in a QB battle with former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith for the starting job this offseason and training camp. Hill said he is not injured and his absence the past two days has been strictly to rest his shoulder. He did not throw at all Thursday, but is scheduled to return to practice Friday. "It doesn't hurt," Hill said. "I feel fine. It's just noticeably tired. (Coaches) felt like I needed a rest, so that's what we did. It's kind of normal for this time of year. We're ready to go now."
Analysis: Smith and Hill so far have come along slowly in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense. When asked earlier this week about the two quarterbacks' progress, Martz said: "I think right now, it's just organized chaos, and they're just trying to learn all this stuff." Martz's offense centers around an aggressive passing scheme that relies on a strong, durable QB arm. Smith has proven that he doesn't necessarily have that quality, but Hill has shown that he does. Expect Smith to be no better than a final-round flier at this point, but once it's made clear who the QB will be in San Francisco, that passer will be a sleeper in '08 drafts. If it's Hill, we're big fans; if it's Smith, we're not as excited.
News: The Sacramento Bee reports 49ers coach Mike Nolan said all three of his passers -- Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan -- would get practice repetitions but that Smith and Hill would continue to get most of the work during training camp. Nolan said both quarterbacks would have an opportunity to start an exhibition game and that he hoped one of them would be leading the competition by the third exhibition game Aug. 21 in Chicago. That player ostensibly would start the Chicago game and be the 49ers' opening week starter. "Once a guy is the guy, he better stay ready and stay atop his game," Nolan said. "It's not like this is a locked-in job forever."
Analysis: Smith is the leading candidate to start the season for the 49ers, with Hill second and O'Sullivan third. Whoever wins the starting job could be a decent sleeper since Mike Martz is now the offensive coordinator in San Franciso. Keep an eye on what develops, but it's not a bad idea to take a late-round flier on the 49ers' starting QB as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill tends to play better in games than he shows in practice, coach Mike Nolan said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "Shaun's been OK in practice, but he's that type of player." Hill responded by saying, "I'm not sure that's a good thing when you're trying to win a job on the practice field." Hill is competing with Alex Smith and J.T. O'Sullivan to be the starting QB. Nolan said he thinks any of the three players could win a game. "I like our situation better now than any time I've been here," he said.
Analysis: Hill took over last year after Smith and former QB Trent Dilfer went down with injuries and played well. He has a strong chance to win the job, but he would still be a No. 2 Fantasy option at best. Keep an eye on what happens, and if Hill is the starter, consider taking him with a late-round pick in all leagues.
News: 49ers coach Mike Nolan says Alex Smith, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, and Shaun Hill, the career third-stringer, are on equal footing in their competition to run new coordinator Mike Martz's offense. Smith took the first snap in the morning practice session, and Hill took charge in the afternoon for a competition that's unlikely to end for at least three months. Though Smith must be considered the favorite after three stormy seasons in San Francisco, Hill went undefeated as a starter late last season in the first significant playing time of his six-year career. Hill's throwing style, body type and even field demeanor remind some of Marc Bulger, who became a Pro Bowl MVP in St. Louis under Martz's tutelage. Add the lingering uncertainty about any tension between Smith and Nolan, and it's clear both quarterbacks have a shot.
Analysis: Smith is back from surgery at full strength and ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Just a few weeks after Nolan said Smith might be limited in minicamp, the quarterback participated in every drill and made every throw Friday. Hill also is back to normal after healing the injuries to his finger and back that kept him out of the 49ers' season finale following victories in his previous two starts. Martz's offense centers around an aggressive passing scheme that relies on a strong, durable QB arm. Smith has proven that he doesn't necessarily have that quality, but Hill has shown that he does. Expect Smith to be no better than a final-round flier at this point, but once it's made clear who the QB will be in San Francisco, that passer will be a sleeper in '08 drafts. If it's Hill, we're big fans; if it's Smith, we're not as excited.
News: According to the San Jose Mercury News, new 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz said Tuesday that QB Alex Smith, who is entering his fourth season, and Shaun Hill, who is starting his seventh, that he and coach Mike Nolan have both made it clear that the quarterback competition will be "wide open." The uncontested starter for most of the past three seasons, Smith embraced the notion that he will have to fight to keep his job. "You've got to have a level of confidence where you don't even worry about the other guy," Martz said. "If you've got a quarterback that's concerned about the competition, you'd better get another quarterback. But that's the exciting thing about this game, the competitive nature of it, giving and getting an opportunity to be the guy, based on what you've done and nothing else."
Analysis: Keep an eye on the offseason for Smith and Hill. Whoever wins the job will be a No. 2 Fantasy option to start the season, but with Martz calling plays, the 49ers starter could have increased Fantasy value. Remember, Martz turned Jon Kitna into a decent Fantasy option at one time, so he could do wonders with either Smith or Hill.
News: The Sacramento Bee reports that the 49ers and QB Shaun Hill agreed to terms on a three-year deal that will let the upstart passer compete for the starting job with Alex Smith in training camp this summer. A virtual unknown as an emergency quarterback, Hill found playing time after Smith and Trent Dilfer went down with injuries late in the '07 season. In three games (two starts), Smith completed 54-of-79 passes (68.4 pct.) for 501 yards (6.3 yards per attempt) with five touchdowns, one interception, 14 rush yards and a rushing touchdown. Best of all, the Niners won both games Hill started. His season ended in Week 16 when he suffered small fractures in his back, but he is expected to be fine in time for training camp.
Analysis: Hill is a seasoned player despite the lack of NFL reps (he played in NFL Europa and has bounced around the league for a few years). With Mike Martz now in charge of the 49ers offense, arm strength is now an issue -- something Hill has an advantage in over Smith. Ultimately, Hill is a final-round flier at this point, but once it's made clear who the QB will be in San Francisco, that passer will be a sleeper in '08 drafts. If it's Hill, we're big fans; if it's Smith, we're not as excited.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that the 49ers and the agent for QB Shaun Hill have exchanged contract proposals in hopes of reaching an agreement before free agency starts on March 3. Coach Mike Nolan has said that if Hill re-signs, he'll be given the opportunity to compete for the starting job with Alex Smith in training camp next summer.
Analysis: Once a Fantasy afterthought, Hill could sneak into sleeper status if he can get a grip on Mike Martz's complex passing offense before Alex Smith can. Hill won both of his late 2007 starts and should be fine for training camp even with a back injury suffered in Week 16. If he re-signs, he's one to watch in training camp next summer.
News:Shaun Hill, the third-stringer who had never thrown an NFL pass until injuries to Smith and Trent Dilfer got him into the lineup in December, won both of his starts for the 49ers before missing the season finale with a back injury. Hill, an unrestricted free agent this spring, intends to survey his options, but hopes to return to San Francisco. "I haven't really thought a lot about free agency or anything like that," said Hill, who turned down the 49ers' offers of a contract extension in October. "Every year, everybody is competing for jobs, so that would be nothing new."
Analysis: Hill had three fractures in his vertebrae and couldn't finish the 49ers' season, one that ended with a 5-11 record. The former NFL Europa hero completed 54-of-79 passes for 501 yards with five touchdowns, one interception and 14 rush yards with a rush TD. He'll enter the 2008 offseason as nothing more than a late-round flier in the deepest of leagues in next year's drafts, though he could work his way into a prominent role depending on where he signs on.
News: The 49ers have ruled upstart QB Shaun Hill out for Week 17 at Cleveland after he missed practice all week with reported back spasms. However, coach Mike Nolan told NFL.com that Hill actually has three fractures in his 2-3-4 vertebrae, adding to his discomfort. The team doesn't consider the injury serious and expects Hill to heal in a matter of weeks. Chris Weinke will start in his place.
Analysis: Hill came out of nowhere to emerge as a No. 2 Fantasy QB and possibly the 49ers quarterback of the future. He might test the free agent market in the offseason, but think of him as a late-round sleeper on Draft Day 2008 as long as he emerges with a starting job somewhere.
News: Niners QB Shaun Hill missed practice for the second straight day Thursday because of a back injury, and coach Mike Nolan remains unsure if he'll play Week 17 at Cleveland, according to NFL.com. "I’m going to leave the door open tomorrow and see how he does, see how he feels. He is very sore, but we’ll leave it at that. I may not know anything until gametime decision, so we’ll see."
Analysis: Nolan said Hill was questionable, but Hill seemed confident he'll recover in time to make his third NFL start. "Hopefully by the end of the week, we have that under control and we can go out there and play," Hill said. "Certainly because of how long I've waited to play, I want to take advantage of every opportunity." Hill has emerged as a No. 2 Fantasy QB with his out-of-nowhere performance, but he looks like a risky start right now. Keep track of his status.
News: Quarterback Shaun Hill missed the 49ers' practice Wednesday with back spasms, and coach Mike Nolan isn't sure Hill will play in Sunday's season finale at Cleveland. Hill took a hard hit late in the first half Week 16 while scrambling, and he missed one play before returning to lead the win. But Hill emerged from the game with back spasms and bruised ribs to go with the already-dislocated index finger on his throwing hand. Chris Weinke would start if Hill can't.
Analysis: The back spasms are Hill's biggest concern heading into the game against the Browns. Nolan said Hill was questionable, but Hill seemed confident he'll recover in time to make his third NFL start. "Hopefully by the end of the week, we have that under control and we can go out there and play," Hill said. "Certainly because of how long I've waited to play, I want to take advantage of every opportunity." Hill has emerged as a No. 2 Fantasy QB with his out-of-nowhere performance, but he looks like a risky start right now. Keep track of his status.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill sustained a contusion to his lower back and right ribcage on a helmet hit by Tampa Bay DL Gaines Adams. He is expected to be listed as probable for Week 17 at Cleveland, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Analysis: Expect Hill to play against the Browns since he's trying to win the 49ers job for the future. As long as he plays like he has been, he's worth adding and can be used as a No. 2 Fantasy option in Week 17 at Cleveland. Hill now has five touchdown passes in two starts.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill was 11-of-24 passing for 123 yards, three touchdowns and one interception Sunday against Tampa Bay. Hill also had six carries for minus-1 yard.
Analysis: Hill is trying to win the 49ers job for the future. As long as he plays like this, he's worth adding and can be used as a No. 2 Fantasy option in Week 17 at Cleveland.
News: According to the San Jose Mercury News, the 49ers are talking to the agent for QB Shaun Hill about a long-term deal. The team sought to sign Hill, who is a free agent after this season, to an extension earlier this year, but Hill preferred to wait, Coach Mike Nolan said. "Obviously, I wish he signed the thing, because I've always wanted him to be a part of what we do," Nolan said. "With his performance, the way it's gone, he could be a bigger part of what we do. But at the same time, Shaun's got decisions to make." For now, there are two games left. Hill, playing regularly for the first time in his six NFL seasons because of injuries to Alex Smith (shoulder) and Trent Dilfer (concussion), will try to extend what have been the best six quarters of football by any 49ers quarterback this year.
Analysis: Hill, the 27-year-old third-stringer who got his first NFL start Week 15, was outstanding in the 49ers' 20-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, passing for 197 yards and accounting for two touchdowns. He has completed 43-of-55 passes since coming in for Trent Dilfer (concussion) in the second half Week 14 against the Vikings. He has thrown two touchdowns and hasn't turned the ball over. Consider Hill a No. 2 Fantasy option in Week 16 against Tampa Bay.
News: Niners Coach Mike Nolan said QB Shaun Hill will start the final two games of the season, including Week 16's home finale against Tampa Bay. Hill, the 27-year-old third-stringer who got his first NFL start Week 15, was outstanding in the 49ers' 20-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, passing for 197 yards and accounting for two touchdowns.
Analysis: Hill, whose last start was for NFL Europe's Amsterdam Admirals in 2003, completed nine of his first 10 passes for 84 yards on the 49ers' first two drives. He has completed 43-of-55 passes since coming in for Trent Dilfer (concussion) in the second half Week 14 against the Vikings. He has thrown two touchdowns and hasn't turned the ball over. However, if you want to start relying on him now during the Fantasy playoffs, you have more guts than we do.
News: The third quarterback was the charm for the San Francisco 49ers. Shaun Hill passed for 197 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score in his first NFL start, and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-13 Week 15 for just their second victory in 12 games. Hill went 21-of-28, hitting Vernon Davis with a precise TD pass nine seconds before halftime and generally running the show with confidence. He finished with 197 passing yards. His 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter put the Niners on the board first.
Analysis: Hill, whose last start was for NFL Europe's Amsterdam Admirals in 2003, completed nine of his first 10 passes for 84 yards on the 49ers' first two drives. He has completed 43-of-55 passes since coming in for Trent Dilfer (concussion) in the second half Week 14 against the Vikings. He has thrown two touchdowns and hasn't turned the ball over. It looks as though the Hill might be under center again Week 16 against the Bucs, but would be nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB because Tampa Bay has a strong pass defense.
News: 49ers QB Trent Dilfer (concussion) has been ruled out Week 15 vs. Cincinnati. Dilfer, who sustained the concussion in the second quarter Week 14 against the Vikings, will be replaced in the lineup by QB Shaun Hill. Alex Smith has been placed on injured reserve with a shoulder/forearm problem.
Analysis: The 49ers just signed former Panthers QB Chris Weinke to the roster, but he likely won't ready in time to start against the Bengals. That puts Hill in line for the start against a suspect Bengals secondary. Despite the favorable matchup, Hill is nothing more than a desperation Fantasy QB.
News: San Francisco is likely to be without backup QB Trent Dilfer for Saturday's home game against Cincinnati after Dilfer sustained a concussion in Sunday's 27-7 loss to Minnesota. Coach Mike Nolan declared him doubtful for Week 15 vs. the Bengals. Dilfer declined comment as he left the 49ers' training complex Monday, saying, "I can barely think, let alone talk." That means that third-string QB Shaun Hill is expected to start against the Bengals. However, Hill is playing with a bandage on a dislocated index finger on his throwing hand, which swells up after practices and games.
Analysis: The 49ers hope to sign a veteran quarterback. Drew Olson, a practice squad member who joined the club just two weeks ago, is the only other quarterback on the roster, not counting Michael Robinson, the former star Penn State quarterback. No 49ers quarterback is worth using in Week 15.
News: After Trent Dilfer went out with a head injury shortly before halftime Week 14 against the Vikings, third-string QB Shaun Hill went 22-of-28 for 181 yards in the first significant NFL action of his six-year career. Hill committed two turnovers. Dilfer went 7-of-19 for 45 yards before getting hurt when he scrambled for a first down in the final minute of the first half. With Alex Smith in street clothes because of his injured shoulder, San Francisco turned to Hill, who spent four years with Minnesota before joining the 49ers last season. Hill had taken just one regular-season snap: a kneeldown on the Vikings' final play of 2005. Hill immediately led a 12-play, 61-yard scoring drive culminating in Arnaz Battle's short TD catch, completing six of his first seven passes and celebrating jubilantly in the end zone.
Analysis: Hill got another drive going moments after his touchdown drive, but a pass slipped out of his hand and went straight to Pat Williams for another interception. He also lost a fumble in the game. Hill didn't do a bad job in his first significant action, but the Vikings were up big by the time he entered the game. They didn't pressure Hill much and stayed in zone coverage. Had they applied a ton of pressure, it could have been a lot worse for the six-year veteran. There is a chance that Hill is under center Week 15 against the Bengals, and despite the favorable matchup, he would be nothing more than a desperation Fantasy QB.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, RB Zak Keasey, TE Billy Bajema, WR Bryan Gilmore, WR Michael Lewis and QB Shaun Hill all dressed, but failed to record an offensive stat Week 12 against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Most of these players serve as backups or on special teams for the 49ers and have little to no Fantasy value. Keep them on Fantasy waivers heading into Week 13 against the Panthers.
News: The San Francisco 49ers could be down to one healthy quarterback for Sunday's game against St. Louis after third-stringer Shaun Hill broke his finger in practice. Hill, who hasn't thrown a regular-season pass in six NFL seasons as a backup in Minnesota and San Francisco, broke and dislocated the index finger on his throwing hand when he banged it on a teammate's helmet during Thursday's practice.
Analysis: The club discovered the fracture Friday, saying it could keep Hill sidelined for two weeks. Either way, he has no Fantasy value at this time and can be left on Fantasy waivers.
News: The 49ers' list of inactives for Week 10 at Seattle includes QB Shaun Hill, WR LeRon McCoy, DB Tarell Brown, DB Keith Lewis, DL Atiyyah Ellison, TE Patrick Estes, WR Jason Hill and DL Ray McDonald.
Analysis: None of these players makes the kind of statistical impact you'd want in Fantasy. Keep all reserved. The 49ers host the Rams in Week 11.
News: The 49ers listed QB Shaun Hill (third QB), WR LeRon McCoy (coach's decision), RB Frank Gore (ankle), DB Walt Harris (knee), DB Keith Lewis (hamstring) and DL Atiyyah Ellison (coach's decision) as inactive for Week 9 at Atlanta.
Analysis: Gore is the only player worth owning in Fantasy play at this time from this list. Keep everyone else on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: The inactives for Week 8's game between the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers are as follows. For the Saints, WR Robert Meachem, DB Jay Bellamy, DB Fred Thomas, LB Marvin Mitchell, TE Ronnie Ghent and DE Renaldo Wynn (all coach's decision) are inactive. For the 49ers, QB Shaun Hill (coach's decision), WR LeRon McCoy (coach's decision), DB Tarell Brown (coach's decision), DB Keith Lewis (hamstring), DE Atiyyah Ellison (coach's decision) and Darrell Jackson (quad) are inactive.
Analysis: The only player in this group with any Fantasy value is Jackson, and he was doubtful for this game, so hopefully you have a capable replacement on your bench already.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill, RB Moran Norris, RB Zak Keasey, TE Billy Bajema, WR Mike Lewis and TE/LS Brian Jennings did not record any offensive statistics in Week 7 at the N.Y. Giants
Analysis: None of these players are worthy of use in Fantasy play. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: 49ers TE Vernon Davis (knee), CB Tarell Brown (hamstring), WR Jason Hill (knee), S Doshon Goldson, DT Atiyyah Ellison, DE Ray McDonald and third QB Shaun Hill were all named inactive for San Francisco's Week 4 game with the Seahawks.
Analysis: Davis was ruled out earlier this week, so hopefully you have already benched him. The rest of these players have no Fantasy value at this point.
News: Notable inactives for Week 3's Niners-Steelers game include: Niners QB Shaun Hill (No. 3/emergency QB), WR Jason Hill, DB Donald Strickland, DB Dashon Goldson, DL Atiyyah Ellison and DL Ray McDonald. For the Steelers, DB Ricardo Colclough, WR Willie Reid, RB Gary Russell, LB Andre Frazier, TE Matt Spaeth and QB Brian St. Pierre (No. 3/emergency QB) are inactive. In addition, the Niners will start either LB Hannibal Navies or Parys Haralson in place of LB Manny Lawson, who is out for the year.
Analysis: Spaeth's reps will be eaten up by Jerame Tuman. No one else inactive for this matchup is worth considering in standard Fantasy play.
News: The 49ers inactives for Week 2 against St. Louis are: QB Shaun Hill, DB Donald Strickland, DB Dashon Goldson, TE Billy Bajema, DL Atiyyah Ellison, WR Jason Hill and DL Ray McDonald.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value in Week 2 and should be reserved in all leagues.
News: WR Jason Hill and third-quarterback Shaun Hill are among the inactives for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Analysis: The former Tulane standout and starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is buried on the depth chart. The 49ers play at St. Louis in Week 2.
News: 49ers reserve QB Shaun Hill served as the team's No. 3/emergency quarterback this season, not seeing any action and being inactive on a weekly basis.
Analysis: Hill shouldn't be considered for Fantasy use at this time.
News: The 49ers listed backup QB Shaun Hill as their emergency QB for Week 17.
Analysis: Hill will head into 2007 as a backup and won't warrant any Fantasy attention.
News: The 49ers inactives for Week 16 against the Cardinals are FS Deke Cooper, FB Chris Hetherington, QB Shaun Hill, DL Lance Legree and TE Delanie Walker.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using for in any Fantasy leagues when healthy.
News: Notable 49ers inactive in Week 15 at Seattle include: QB Shaun Hill (3rd QB), RB Chris Hetherington, LB Derek Smith, TE Eric Johnson and DL Anthony Adams.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 15.
News: The 49ers inactives for Week 14 against Green Bay are QB Shaun Hill, DB Shawntae Spencer, RB Chris Hetherington, LB Derek Smith, TE Eric Johnson and DL Anthony Adams.
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved against the Packers.
News: The 49ers listed FB Chris Hetherington, DT Damane Duckett, TE Eric Johnson, QB Shaun Hill, CB Shawntae Spencer and S Tony Parrish as inactive for Week 13 at New Orleans.
Analysis: None of these playuers should be used in Fantasy play until further notice.
News: Notable 49ers inactive for Week 12 at St. Louis include: QB Shaun Hill (3rd QB), WR Brandon Williams, DB Tony Parrish, DB Shawntae Spencer and DL Damane Duckett.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 12.
News: The 49ers inactives for Week 11 against Seattle are DB Donald Strickland, DB Tony Parrish, RB Chris Hetherington, TE Delanie Walker and QB Shaun Hill.
Analysis: Keep all these players reserved for Week 11.
News: Notable ianctives for Week 10 include: 49ers QB Shaun Hill (No. 3 QB), CB Donald Strickland, FB Chris Hetherington, TE Vernon Davis, WR Taylor Jacobs and DT Damane Duckett. For the Lions, QB Dan Orlovsky (No. 3 QB), CB Jamar Fletcher, TE Sean McHugh, DT Shaun Cody, WR Mike Williams and LB Anthony Cannon are inactive.
Analysis: Bench all inactive players in Week 10.
News: Notable 49ers inactive for Week 9 against the Vikings include: QB Shaun Hill, DB Chad Williams, DB Donald Strickland, TE Vernon Davis, WR Taylor Jacobs and DL Damane Duckett.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 9.
News: Notable inactives for the 49ers-Bears Week 8 game include: Niners QB Shaun Hill (No. 3 QB), CB B.J. Tucker, FB Chris Hetherington, TE Vernon Davis, WR Taylor Jacobs and DT Isaac Sopoaga. For the Bears, QB Kyle Orton (No. 3 QB), WR Mark Bradley, CB Marcus Maxey, FS Chris Harris, FB J.D. Runnels, DT Alfonso Boone and DE Antonio Garay are inactive.
Analysis: Davis has long-term Fantasy value, but the rest of these players are not reliable Fantasy options.
News: The 49ers have declared QB Shaun Hill (3rd QB), CB B.J. Tucker, FB Chris Hetherington, TE Vernon Davis, WR Taylor Jacobs and DT Damane Duckett inactive for Week 5.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 5.
News: Notable 49ers inactives for Week 4 include: Shaun Hill (emergency QB), CB B.J. Tucker, FB Chris Hetherington, TE Vernon Davis, WR Taylor Jacobs and DT Damane Duckett.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 4.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill was listed as the emergency QB in Week 2 vs. St. Louis.
Analysis: Williams should not be anywhere near your active Fantasy lineup.
News: Here are the inactives for the 49ers in Week 1 at Arizona: Shaun Hill (emergency QB), WR Brandon Williams, CB B.J. Tucker, FB Moran Norris, TE Delanie Walker and DE Parys Haralson.
Analysis: None of these players should be on active Fantasy rosters for Week 1. Ignore them in all formats.
News: Reserve quarterback Shaun Hill spent four seasons with the Vikings as a backup. Although he suited up for every game of his career, his NFL resume consists of one game and two kneel-downs. He has yet to attempt an NFL pass. He is currently competing against Jesse Palmer for the 49ers' No. 3 job. Hill's only regret is that he has yet to attempt a pass in a regular-season game. "It's a little disappointing," Hill said. "A lot of third-stringers around the league played throughout those four years, but I never got a chance. Obviously, you don't want people to get hurt, but it would've been nice to get some game exposure at some point in four years. But I had a lot of reps in preseason and felt like I improved."
Analysis: Do you really need Fantasy analysis for Shaun Hill? The former NFL Europe QB might make the team as their No. 3/emergency QB. He's probably not going to play this year unless the Niners lose both Alex Smith and Trent Dilfer, so don't think about Hill until that happens, if it ever happens.
News: Shaun Hill didn't record an offensive statistic this season as the No. 3 quarterback in Minnesota.
Analysis: Hill will have no value in 2006 drafts.
News: According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Vikings coach Mike Tice said that Brad Johnson will start Sunday vs. Chicago. The Vikings are out of playoff contention and there was speculation that Shaun Hill could get a look. That won't be the case.
Analysis: Johnson should struggle against a strong Chicago defense in Week 17, especially with nothing left to play for.
News: Shaun Hill didn't record an offensive statistic in Sunday's 18-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Analysis: Hill has no value in Fantasy Football.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the Vikings have re-signed Shaun Hill.
Analysis: He will remain third on the team's depth chart behind Daunte Culpepper and Brad Johnson.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Hill will serve as Minnesota's third-string quarterback. He will back up Daunte Culpepper and Gus Frerotte.
Analysis: Hill has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Hill will be Minnesota's No. 3 quarterback. The release of Spergon Wynn moved Hill up the depth chart, but he still warrants no Fantasy consideration.
Analysis:
