Kaepernick completed 16-of-21 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown while rushing twice for 21 yards and led the 49ers to a 28-24 victory over the Falcons during Sunday's NFC Championship game.

Analysis: Offensive coordinator Greg Roman changed things up a bit on the Falcons and relied much less on Kaepernick's legs in this one, something Atlanta likely spent all week preparing for. Kaepernick played a smart and efficient game and again proved that he is more than capable of leading his team to victory in different ways. If you're playing in fantasy playoff leagues, he's going to be a great option in the Super Bowl regardless of who comes out of the AFC.

Kaepernick received high praise from former 49ers coach and current Atlanta defensive coordinator Mike Nolan who referred to the quarterback as a "game-wrecker." "He's got great open-field speed," Nolan said. "He's probably as fast as any of those guys in the open field. He's elusive like the other guys. But he's a bigger target. He's a game-wrecker as we would call him. He's a good player."

Analysis: Greg Roman is doing a fantastic job utilizing Kaepoernick's strengths as both a runner and a passer. They are establishing the run with Frank Gore which then opens up additional running lanes for Kaepernick and when the defense comes in to stop the run, it obviously lightens up the coverage on the receivers down field. Atlanta gave up an average of 123.2 rushing yards per game during the regular season and allowed 60 yards on seven carries last week to Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, a seemingly less-talented runner. In addition, they coughed up 385 passing yards in their matchup with Seattle in the Divisional playoffs. Suffice to say, the expectations are high for Kaepernick at this point.

Kaepernick completed 17-of-31 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and an interception and carried the ball 16 times for 181 yards and another two touchdowns as the 49ers went on to beat the Packers 45-31 during Saturday's divisional playoff game.

Analysis: The game looked to get off to a rocky start for the Niners rookie quarterback as he threw a pick-6 on the opening drive. But Kaepernick quickly settled down, rushed for a 20-yard touchdown during the next drive and went on to play the most outstanding game of his short tenure as the team's starting quarterback. His 181 yards on the ground set a new NFL post-season record for rushing yards by a QB and he has certainly shown that with him under center, the 49ers offense is not to be taken lightly.

During his press conference on Monday, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said that Kaepernick has improved on a game-to-game/play-to-play basis. "When he got his first opportunities to play very early in the season, he was very good. And then when he got his first start was very good. But, just being in the situations he's been in. The way he's handled himself in those situations. At this point we could say just about everything that a quarterback could face. And he's done well. So, I'm not saying it's dramatic improvement in any one area because I think he was good to start with. But, there's been good improvement across the board."

Analysis: While, technically, Kaepernick played against the Packers during their Week 1 match-up -- one rush for 17 yards -- he was not under center save for the one play which was always a planned run and this will be his first time facing them as the starting quarterback. He finished the regular season completing 62.4 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,184 yards with 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He added a 98.3 quarterback rating and rushed for another 415 yards with five rushing touchdowns over 11 games (six starts). He'll certainly have his work cut out for him as he faces a Green Bay pass defense that finished 11th in the league in passing yards allowed (218 per game) with 18 interceptions and 47 sacks. Though they were facing a back-up in Joe Webb in the Wild Card game, they still held the Vikings to just 180 passing yards and one touchdown and had one interception and three sacks. Despite the Packers' defensive prowess, Kaepernick remains a solid option in fantasy playoff leagues this week.

Kaepernick completed 16-of-28 passes for a career-high 276 yards and two touchdowns during the 49ers' 27-13 win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: Despite being contained to just five rushing yards in total, Kaepernick played one of his stronger games of the year. Not only did he set a new career-best total for passing yards, but he also finished the game without a turnover, his first mistake-free game since Week 14 against Miami. With his usual ability to run the the ball alongside his improving passing work, Kaepernick is proving to be a dangerous threat at the position. He finishes the regular season with 10 passing touchdowns to just three interceptions and has accumulated 415 rushing yards with five rushing touchdowns over the Niners' last seven games. He'll make for a strong choice at quarterback if you're in any postseason fantasy games, although he does have a bye week coming up this weekend.

Kaepernick completed 19-of-36 passes for 244 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: A rough game for Kaepernick, only a week after carving up the Patriots defense. Kaepernick added 31 yards on the ground, but struggled to get in a groove, in a tough environment. He also lost Vernon Davis and Mario Manningham to injuries, so he could be in for some tough sledding, if they can't play Week 17.

Kaepernick will need to use feet

In his "Week 16 Predictions report", Elliot Harrison notes, "A huge key to this dogfight in the Northwest will be the ability of Seattle's front seven to keep Kaepernick in the pocket." READ: WEEK 16 PREDICTIONS

Analysis: If the Seahawks are successful, the result could be a very poor showing. The defense is only allowing an average of 197 yards per game and 13 touchdowns, tying them for fewest in the NFL.

Neither Kaepernick nor 49ers center Jonathan Goodwin are concerned with a recurrence of fumbled snaps after they botched the exchange four times against the Patriots last Sunday, CSNBayArea.com reports.

Analysis: Both players shared the blame for the poor exchanges during Week 15 and each said that they do not anticipate it being a problem. They cited the poor weather conditions, but also insisted that they are working close together to avoid any future mishaps, especially with the possibility of inclement weather in Seattle. Kaepernick, who was named NFC Player of the Week on Wednesday, faces one of his tougher tests this week as, not only do the Seahawks see a potential playoff berth at the end of the tunnel, but they also boast a defense with 35 sacks and 16 interceptions while allowing just 15.6 points per game this season.

Kaepernick completed 14-of-25 passes for 216 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's win over the Patriots.

Analysis: A huge game for Kaepernick, who also ran seven times for 28 yards. He put the ball on the ground at times, as he was credited with four fumbles, but he still outdueled Tom Brady on the road. Kaepernick has a tough matchup in store in Week 16 as the 49ers travel to Seattle for a huge NFC West matchup.

Kaepernick faces test vs. Patriots

In his "Like/Dislike" analysis, Adam Rank notes, "the Patriots have allowed only one touchdown pass in the last three games." FULL LIKE/DISLIKE

Analysis: Colin Kaepernick scored at least 14 fantasy points in five consecutive games. But he hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in back-to-back games. His pass yards have decreased over the last three.

Kaepernick says that he is not doing anything different to prepare for his upcoming Week 15 match-up with the Patriots, although he is expecting Bill Belichick and co. to throw some new defensive looks his way, CSNBayArea.com reports. "They give you a lot of different looks on defense," Kaepernick said. "You just have to be prepared for it. You have to be ready for their disguises and different coverages, different fronts they're going to give you."

Analysis: That said, Kaepernick insists that he has maintained the same preparation schedule since the beginning of the season when he was backing up Alex Smith. While a matchup with the Patriots can be tough, given Belichick's defensive expertise, they are still ranked just 29th against the pass and give up an average of 276 yards through the air with 22 passing touchdowns allowed on the year. With their ability to stifle the run and dominate on the scoreboard as they do, Kaepernick will likely have to take it to the air more often which could pad his totals for this week. Consider him a solid starter for Week 15.

Kaepernick completed 18-of-23 passes for 185 yards and rushed six times for 53 yards and a touchdown during the 49ers' 27-13 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Analysis: Had it not been for a 50-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter when the 49ers were simply running out the clock, Kaepernick's numbers would not have looked good for fantasy owners. He did play an efficient and mistake-free game which will obviously help him retain his job, but it's obvious that he is not someone on whose shoulders you can ride to a fantasy championship.

With a vote of confidence from coach Jim Harbaugh following the Week 13 loss to the Rams, Kaepernick is looking forward to a rebound this Sunday when he faces the Dolphins who have the 27th-ranked pass defense in the NFL.

Analysis: Miami gives up an average of 258 passing yards per game and have given up 15 passing touchdowns throughout the season. They do have 33 sacks on the year, though, which indicates a strong pass rush, but with Kaepernick's mobility, he should be able to avoid most tough situations. With plenty to prove on the NFL level, it is still difficult to recommend Kaepernick for the fantasy playoffs unless you have no other legitimate alternatives.

Kaepernick needs more control

In his "Quarterback Analysis," NFL.com's Gil Brandt notes, "The extremely competitive Kaepernick has a very strong arm; at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, he threw the ball 59 mph, getting the most velocity on the ball. He can make the big throws but needs to learn to play under control." READ: QUARTERBACK ANALYSIS

Analysis: Michael Fabiano adds in his Week 14 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, the Dolphins have "allowed the fifth-most passing yards and an average of just under 17 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. That makes the Nevada product a viable sleeper pick."

Colin Kaepernick: Will Start Week 14

Following Sunday's loss to the Rams, head coach Jim Harbaugh said he plans to stick with Kaepernick as his starting quarterback, the Sacramento Bee reports.

Analysis: Kaepernick completed 21-of-32 passes for 208 yards and gained 84 yards on the ground, but he had a costly fumble that helped the Rams tie the game late in the fourth quarter. He'll have better games in the future, and his running ability makes him a great fantasy option. He and the 49ers take on the Dolphins in Week 14.

Kaepernick completed 21-of-32 passes for 208 yards, rushed nine times for 84 yards, and lost a fumble during the 49ers' 16-13 overtime loss to the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: The lost fumble was obviously the most costly as it happened midway through the fourth quarter, deep in 49ers' territory and was recovered for a touchdown. With the two-point conversion, the Rams were able to tie the game late and eventually win it in overtime. Kaepernick played an average game, looking much better as a runner than as a passer and in need of better clock management skills. He did bring his team back at the end of regulation, breaking for a 50-yard run that set up the Niners' late field goal, but left over a minute and a half on the clock for St. Louis to come down and tie the game on a last second field goal of their own. This loss, which should be partially pinned on both Kaepernick and coach Jim Harbaugh for late-game play calling and execution, should stir up even more of a quarterback controversy in San Francisco. We probably won't know until the middle of the week whether it will be Kaepernick or Alex Smith under center when the 49ers host the Dolphins next week.

Kaepernick off to slow start

Kaepernick is off to a slow start, totaling just 74 yards passing and 10 yards rushing in the first half of the 49ers matchup against the Rams. FOLLOW WITH GAME CENTER

Analysis: The Rams look to have committed to stopping the dynamic quarterback, so it will be on the 49ers to make adjustments during halftime.

Rams stingy against the pass

In his Week 13 "Like/Dislike" analysis, Adam Rank notes, "Kaepernick has at least 17 fantasy points in three consecutive games." READ: LIKE/DISLIKE

Analysis: The Rams have been one of the stingier defenses against the pass, allowing just 13 touchdowns this season. Still, the dynamic quarterback posted 18 -plus points against the Bears in Week 11, and his running ability makes him a viable option.

Kaepernick gets the nod

Colin Kaepernick will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, coach Jim Harbaugh announced Wednesday. Kaepernick has started the 49ers' past two games in place of Alex Smith. "We believe Colin has the hot hand, and we're going with Colin," Harbaugh said. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Michael Fabiano lists Kaepernick as a sleeper in his "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, noting, "he should post a great total against a Rams defense that has allowed an average of 17.82 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks at home."

Colin Kaepernick : Will Remain Starter

Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced during Wednesday's press conference that Kaepernick will remain the starting quarterback for this week's game against the Rams.

Analysis: After several days of intrigue, Harbaugh decided to stick with Kaepernick over Alex Smith. Kaepernick has averaged nearly 20 fantasy points in his two starts this season, so he figures to be worthy of a start in most formats this week with the starting job in hand.

Colin Kaepernick: Will Remain Starter

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh announced at his press conference on Wednesday that Kaepernick would be the starting quarterback on Sunday against the Rams, CSNBayArea.com reports.

Analysis: Harbaugh said that he was going with the hot hand and while both are "his guys," Kaepernick has earned the right to continue starting based on his performance over the last three weeks. Kaepernick faces a Rams defense that allows an average of 229 passing yards per game and has given up 13 touchdowns through the air this season. Given his penchant for running on his own, it should also be noted that the Rams allow almost 112 rushing yards per game and have also given up 14 rushing touchdowns this season.

Alex Smith 'itching to play' for 49ers, teammate says

Offensive tackle Joe Staley told KGMZ-FM in San Francisco on Tuesday that veteran Alex Smith, despite his silence, desperately desires his job back after Colin Kaepernick's two-game run under center.

Analysis: Coach Jim Harbaugh still hasn't named his starting quarterback for Week 13, although it would be a surprise if the team made a move away from the red-hot Kaepernick.

QB situation still not officially settled

Coach Jim Harbaugh continued to muddle the state of his quarterbacks on Monday, stating "Alex Smith is our starting quarterback. He has not done anything to lose that job," Harbaugh said. "In fact, he's playing at a very high level. Also, Colin Kaepernick, you can't categorize him as a backup quarterback, because he's started games and played very well in those games." FULL REPORT

Analysis: He also said he will formally name a starter by the middle of this week in an effort to end the barrage of questions facing Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick.

Coach Jim Harbaugh declined to announce whether or not Kaepernick will start Sunday's game against the Rams, the 49ers' official site reports.

Analysis: Harbaugh noted that he would wait to inform his players first before the media, but with two wins in a row against tough opponents -- Chicago and New Orleans -- it's hard to imagine Harbaugh pulling the plug on Kaepernick this week.

Kaepernick completed 16-of-25 passes for 231 yards with one touchdown and one interception and rushed six times for 27 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 31-21 win over the Saints.

Analysis: After all the gamesmanship by coach Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick received the start this week and played a fairly strong game. He had his highs and lows throughout the game and things may have been different had it not been for two defensive touchdowns for the Niners, but overall, the team appears to be stronger with him at the helm instead of Alex Smith. He'll likely get the start again next week when the 49ers head to St. Louis and makes for a solid fantasy play given his penchant for carrying the ball himself inside the ten.

Colin Kaepernick: Starts at QB on Sunday

Kaepernick is indeed getting the nod as San Francisco's starting quarterback at New Orleans on Sunday, CSN Bay Area reports.

Analysis: There was a bit of murkiness with this situation, due to Alex Smith's (concussion) activation prior to kickoff. However, as has been reported since midweek, Kaepernick will start under center, at least this week, for the 49ers.

Though Alex Smith is active for Sunday's game against the Saints, the 49ers have announced that Kaepernick is expected to start at QB, csnbayarea.com reports.

Analysis: That's where this has been trending, so there's no real surprise here, though with Smith cleared to play, the veteran QB is on hand in the event that Kaepernick struggles at all in his presumed start or suffers an injury during the contest.

Colin Kaepernick: Report: Set to Start

NFL.com's Albert Breer reports that that Kaepernick will start Sunday's game against the Saints.

Analysis: Coach Jim Harbaugh tried to keep this under wraps as much as he could, but this is where this situation has been trending all week, given that Kaepernick performed so well this past Monday against the Bears. This time around, he gets a crack at a New Orleans defense that has allowed 21 passing TDs in 10 games to date, along with an average of 305 passing yards per game. Only the Bucs are surrendering more yardage in the air to date.

Starting QB still a mystery

Despite a report stating that Colin Kaepernick will start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, followed by safety Donte Whitner sharing that same information, Harbaugh declined to divulge any information about his game plan. "It's just not something we think is an advantage for us to talk about," the 49ers coach told reporters Friday. FULL REPORT

Analysis: In his Week 12 Sleepers analysis, Adam Rank notes "I like Kaepernick if he's going to be the full-time starter. The matchup is too good. The Saints have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, and have allowed an NFL-high 21 touchdown passes."

Alex Smith (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans, 49ers.com reports, and an official announcement on whether Smith or Kaepernick will start has not been made.

Analysis: Both SI's Jim Trotter and San Francisco safety Donte Whitner have stated that Kaepernick is the starter for San Francisco, but coach Jim Harbaugh is willing to let the Saints (and fantasy owners) lose sleep over a lack of official statement on the subject. Kaepernick's owners unfortunately have to run the risk of heading into Sunday with a potential backup in their lineup, but their resolve should be strengthened by the reports provided by Trotter and Whitner.

While on the "Dan Patrick Show" Friday, 49ers safety Donte Whitner said that Kaepernick will start Sunday's game against the Saints, NFL.com reports.

Analysis: While the 49ers haven't made this official, it's something that was reported earlier in the week and supported by the fact that Alex Smith has yet to be cleared for contact. Clearance on that front could come soon, with coach Jim Harbaugh scheduled to address the media after practice on Friday, with the 49ers' QB situation presumably among the topics that he will address at that time.

Colin Kaepernik: Named Week 12 Starter vs Saints

Colin Kaepernick has been named the starting quarterback for the 49ers Week 12 match-up against the Saints, according to Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter on Twitter.

Analysis: Trotter reports that coach Jim Harbaugh has informed Alex Smith that Kaepernick will start on Sunday and that the decision was not just based on health. With the Saints defense ranked last in the NFL, Kaepernick actually becomes a fairly decent option this week, especially with his potential for rushing touchdowns. He could also be worth looking at for the rest of the season if he totally supplants Smith.

Colin Kaepernick: Gets Start Against New Orleans

Kaepernick will start this week against New Orleans, Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter reports. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the decision was not based on Alex Smith's health.

Analysis: Kaepernick has a good matchup this week against the Saints and it looks like he could take over the job for the rest of the season.

Harbaugh still not naming starter

Harbaugh says he believes Alex Smith will be cleared for contact by the end of the week. A line of thinking developed that Harbaugh would use Smith's injury as a way to not really "choose" Colin Kaepernick over Smith. That won't be the case, but Harbaugh will keep his decision close to the vest. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Kaepernick owners should have a backup plan ready in case Smith is ultimately named the starter. Whoever does get the nod should have plenty of success against a Saints secondary which has allowed a league-worst 21 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.

Colin Kaepernick: Could Start Again Sunday

Kaepernick could be in line to start this week against New Orleans as Alex Smith is still not concussion symptom-free and coach Jim Harbaugh said he tends to go with the hot hand, CSNBayArea.com reports.

Analysis: If Smith is still experiencing concussion symptoms, then this becomes less of a controversy and more of a simple injury replacement. However, if Smith is deemed ready to return to practice this week, then it becomes a little more complicated. Kaepernick downplayed the "hot hand" comment from Harbaugh, but tight end Vernon Davis was extremely complimentary, particularly on a fourth quarter pass thrown his way. "The ball that he threw me, it was one of those balls that you see Tom Brady throw . . . second window . . . I didn't expect the ball to come because we run that play quite a few times and the tight end usually doesn't get the ball on that play," Davis said of the 11-yard gain. "But he saw it, and he put it there." The situation should be monitored closely as Harbaugh would probably like to keep the Saints guessing as he did with the Bears this past week. If Kaepernick does get the start, he could be worth using if you're having quarterback issues, as the Saints defense ranks dead last in the NFL.

49ers undecided at QB

In an interesting -- and surprising -- twist, coach Jim Harbaugh chose not to make a definitive statement on his future plans at quarterback. Instead, the coach said he "usually tend(s) to go with the hot hand...We really have two quarterbacks with a hot hand," he said. "We'll make that decision as we go forward." FULL REPORT

Analysis: In his lone start, Colin Kaepernick scored 18.92 fantasy points against one of the elite defenses. Alex Smith has only bettered that stat line in two of his nine starts. The way the 49ers offense was surging on Monday night, it's likely the "hot hand" will be Kaepernick, so make plans accordingly, but be sure to keep track of the developments.

Kaepernick completed 16-of-23 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns and added four rushes for 12 yards Monday against the Bears.

Analysis: Not bad for the second-year pro's first career start. On national TV against a top five defense the 49ers and Kaepernick had their way with Chicago in blowout fashion. Kaepernick's fantasy prospects depend largely on Alex Smith's (concussion) health, as its hard to see the veteran lose his job because of injury. Whoever starts though won't face a better matchup on paper than the league's worst Saints defense.

Monday night to be battle of the backups

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Monday morning that Smith was unable to gain clearance from a neurologist, according to sources, meaning Colin Kaepernick will start against Bears backup Jason Campbell, filling in for a concussed Jay Cutler. FULL REPORT

Analysis: In what should be titled the "backup bowl," expect both of these elite defenses to take center stage on Monday night. While you probably didn't have better options, don't expect much from your fantasy players in what could be a low-scoring game.

Colin Kaepernick: Set to Start in Smith's Place Monday

Kaepernick will start at quarterback Monday against the Bears after Alex Smith failed to pass a concussion test, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.

Analysis: Kaepernick faces a tough test against the Bears defense in what will be a battle of backup quarterbacks with Jay Cutler also out with a concussion.

Kaepernick completed 11-of-17 passes for 117 yards and rushed eight times for 66 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's tie with the Rams.

Analysis: Kaepernick came in midway through the second quarter when Alex Smith left with a concussion and looked like he was going to struggle in his new lead role. But in the second half, he came out confident and strong and helped lead the 49ers to three scores in the fourth quarter to knot the game at 24. Whether it was his choice or orders from the sidelines, he opted to not force throws and seemed happier running the ball on his own, sometimes for eight or nine yards at a clip. Smith's condition will be updated and monitored throughout the week, but even if Kaepernick were to get the start in Week 11, you'll want to look elsewhere with an impending match-up with the Bears.

Smith injured

The San Francisco 49ers have turned to Colin Kaepernick at quarterback after Alex Smith suffered a concussion in the first half of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. Smith will not return, the team announced. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Kaepernick took over on the next drive as Smith left for the locker room with his helmet off, finishing 7 of 8 passing with 72 yards and the score.

Kaepernick completed 4-of-7 passes for 82 yards and rushed twice for six yards during the 49ers' 26-3 loss to the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: The use of Kaepernick wasn't fooling anyone today as the Giants were all over him every time he stepped onto the field. He was able to pad his stats with throws of 15 and 24 yards late in the fourth quarter but that's as good as it got for him. His biggest mistake came when he took an 11-yard sack immediately after Alex Smith had hit Randy Moss downfield for 55 yards and took all the momentum out of the drive which ended with the 49ers going for it on a fourth-and-15. His increased usage and Smith's poor game have sparked talk of a quarterback controversy now, but we expect Smith to remain the unquestioned starter.

Kaepernick flying under the radar

NFL Fantasy LIVE's Matt "Money" Smith says "if you have a roster spot to spare, or are in a legacy league, and really don't need anything to help you along, consider picking up Colin Kaepernick. While you would never start him while Alex Smith is healthy, if by chance Smith gets injured, he's going to be fantasy gold." FULL WEEK 5 FANTASY RECAPS

Analysis: Kaepernick has quietly strung together two games of 8-plus fantasy points and his role in the offense continues to grow.

Kaepernick completed his one pass attempt for seven yards, rushed four times for 39 yards and a touchdown, and lost a fumble against the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: Kaepernick has been integrated into the offense a lot more than originally expected, but it has brought an element to the 49ers offense that really seems to keep momentum rolling during drives down field. While the wildcat formation won't be a heavily featured look, offensive coordinator Greg Roman will continue to go back to it until it stops working. That should keep Kaepernick active in most games. The downside of that, for fantasy owners is that he will continue to vulture touchdowns though still not have enough value to make him worthy of even starting during a bye week for your regular starter. Alex Smith did sprain his middle finger on his throwing hand, but while it didn't seem to be too serious of an injury, it's worth monitoring right now.

Kaepernick failed to complete his one pass attempt, but rushed five times for 50 yards and a touchdown against the Jets on Sunday.

Analysis: Perhaps inspired by the match-up with Tim Tebow and the Jets, offensive coordinator Greg Roman deployed Kaepernick in a wildcat package of his own, both in the red zone and out in the open field. The results were strong as Kaepernick scored his first career rushing touchdown and could have made it two had he not slid just shy of the goal line to run down the clock rather than take it in for another score. Obviously, Kaepernick cannot be counted on for this type of production on a consistent basis, but it's definitely something to keep in mind when the 49ers are playing against some of the softer run defenses in the NFL.

Kaepernick completed 12-of-18 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns during the 49ers' final preseason game against the Chargers on Thursday.

Analysis: Kaepernick already had the backup job locked up so this was just a matter of getting a little more in-game experience. He played a strong first half, showed some mobility and proved he could make strong, accurate throws under pressure. His touchdown pass to Delaine Walker, coming just two plays after a Chargers turnover, led the tight end down the sidelines towards the endzone, while his 12-yard TD strike to A.J. Jenkins looked even better as he was on the run and still had the presence of mind to scan his receivers downfield and find the rookie amidst traffic in the endzone.

As expected, Kaepernick was the first quarterback off the bench during Saturday's exhibition game against the Texans. He was 4-for-8 in passing for 19 yards.

Analysis: Kaepernick entered after Alex Smith and immediately led the team down the field with a no-huddle approach. On the second play, he kept the ball for a 12-yard gain. The seven-play, 40-yard drive ended with Akers' 36-yard field goal. "I feel comfortable with everything we do," Kaepernick said. "That's something they've asked me to do the last couple of weeks. It's similar to what I did in college, so obviously I'm going to be comfortable with that." Kaepernick has already received a vote of confidence from coach Jim Harbaugh and was officially declared the back-up to Smith earlier in the week.

Kaepernick has emerged as San Francisco's backup quarterback, CSN Bay Area reports.

Analysis: This is not surprising, as the 2011 second-round pick is an exceptional athlete with favored status as a high-draft investment. Josh Johnson and Scott Tolzien will compete for the third quarterback spot.

Colin Kaepernick: Big Rushing Numbers

Kaepernick was the 49ers' leading rusher with 92 yards on three carries during Friday's exhibition win against the Vikings.

Analysis: Two of the attempts were scrambles, but the one big one was a fake inside handoff to LaMichael James that Kaepernick took to the right side and ended up sprinting 78 yards for a touchdown. He was also 5-for-9 in passing for a total of 40 yards as the first quarterback off the bench.

Kaepernick will be the first quarterback off the bench during Friday's exhibition opener against the Vikings, the Sacramento Bee reports.

Analysis: While coach Jim Harbaugh reiterates that the back-up quarterback job is an open competition between Kaepernick, Josh Johnson and Scott Tolzien and all three get roughly the same amount of work at practice, Kaepernick usually gets the first chance to operate with the second-team offense. Harbaugh has even hinted that Kaepernick is ahead of the others but claims he needs to see them in preseason games before making his final decision. Barring some catastrophic preseason meltdown though, it should be Kaepernick as Alex Smith's primary back-up again this season.