Fantasy’s Biggest Boom or Bust Candidates: NFC West
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

Carson Palmer QB, Cardinals: Palmer has one of the most talent laden receiving corps in the league and perhaps the brightest offensive coaching mind in the game in Bruce Arians. Still, if there’s anyone who could screw that combo up, it’s Palmer, who can be woefully inept under center at times. He could flirt with top ten QB numbers if he can stay out of his own way, or he could be the pedestrian game manager that we’ve grown so accustomed to.

Frank Gore RB, 49ers: Old faithful is locked and loaded to be the lead back in San Fran per usual, but his tires are losing tread. With rookie Carlos Hyde and a rehabbed Marcus Lattimore waiting in the wings, Gore could be on a short leash, should he falter. The 49ers will pound the rock though, so Gore could prove very valuable in fantasy leagues this season, as people have lost faith in his abilities and he’s being drafted late in most leagues.

Stevie Johnson WR, 49ers: He who was once first in Buffalo’s pecking order is now third receiver at best in his new home. It is yet to be seen if he can retain value on a team that doesn’t pass the ball a whole lot.

John Brown WR, Cardinals: Coach Arians has been murmuring the praises of Brown for some time now, we’re obliged to agree that he’s a promising receiver. As the new “Donnie Avery” in Arians scheme, there is great potential for Brown’s success. QB Palmer’s ability to distribute the ball effectively will control his fate unfortunately.

Marcus Lattimore RB, 49ers: We’ve never seen a healthy Lattimore in the NFL, and we may not still. He’s been practicing with burst, which is promising, but a setback is not out of the question. If he can get and stay healthy though, there’s a chance he could surpass Carlos Hyde as Gore’s immediate backup and earn himself considerable playing time.

Jermaine Kearse WR, Seahawks: Kearse is the number 3 receiver in Seattle behind Harvin and Baldwin but the best deep ball and red-zone target they have going. QB Wilson doesn’t air the ball out much though, so Kearse’s upside is limited. He could just as well fade into obscurity as he could lead the team in TD receptions.

Tavon Austin WR, Rams: All of the Rams offensive skill players could be seen as boom or bust prospects, but not one has upside like Austin. A dynamic playmaker when utilized correctly, Austin was frustratingly inconsistent in his first NFL season. Hopefully OC Brian Schottenheimer has a better handle on how to use him this year, as Austin has the ability to go the length of the field in a heartbeat.

Kenny Britt WR, Rams: Britt has been an embarrassment of riches during his tenure in the NFL. A long and fast athletic specimen, Britt is drafted year after after in fantasy leagues, only to break the hearts of those who take a chance on him. There are few owners who are willing to take that chance anymore, but those who dare may finally get their reward as Britt is arguably the most talented big receiver on the team, and he’s got the support of former and now present head coach Fisher behind him.

Sam Bradford QB, Rams: Bradford has done well for himself imitating a star NFL quarterback, enough so that he’s become one of the richest play callers in the league with little to show for it. We keep getting excuses about why he isn’t producing- injury not being the least of them, but at what point do we start holding him accountable for his lack of production? He’s got one more season in St. Louis to prove he’s who he thinks he is, and not who we’ve seen he is.