Why did 49ers WR Michael Crabtree finally break out with QB Colin Kaepernick under center after struggling for 3-and-a-half seasons with QB Alex Smith?  Crabtree says it's simply about trust.  "I think [Kaepernick] trusted me more," Crabtree said. "Playing wide receiver, you need a quarterback who trusts you."  The numbers certainly back that up.  In his first 51 career games, Crab averaged 7.1 targets.  But with Kaep under center for the final 10 games of 2012 (including playoffs), Crabtree saw an average of 9.4 looks.  He racked up 61 catches, 880 yards and 8 TDs over that span.  That extrapolates to a 98-1,408-13 line over 16 games.  Those are top-3 fantasy numbers.  He'll have a new competitor for targets in WR Anquan Boldin this year -- and TE Vernon Davis' role should grow -- but Crabtree will carry WR1 upside in 2013.

The San Francisco District Attorney announced that sexual assault charges will not be filed against 49ers WR Michael Crabtree.  A thorough investigation was completed into an incident that occurred at a hotel the night of the Niners' playoff win over the Packers.  One women accused Crabtree of assault, but two others in the room said no assault occurred.  It's a non-issue moving forward.  Crab has 8 distraction-free days to prepare for the Super Bowl.

The latest update via the San Francisco Chronicle points to the expected result of no sexual-assault charges against WR Michael Crabtree. According to the Chronicle, the accusing woman was 1 of 3 women in the hotel room that night. The other 2 say no assault occurred. A Niners source said over the weekend that Crabtree appeared likely to avoid any charges. That certainly still seems to be the case.

As expected, WR Michael Crabtree is active for today's NFC title game. Neither side has any significant inactives for fantasy purposes.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that an anonymous Niners source "highly, highly" doubts WR Michael Crabtree will be charged with sexual assault. The team's promotion of WR Chad Hall to the active roster raised eyebrows Saturday. People wondered whether Hall was Crabtree insurance. But the move is reportedly not related. Crabtree should be good to go.

Niners WR Michael Crabtree is involved in a sexual-assault investigation by San Francisco police. He has been questioned by police but has not been charged. The alleged assault happened in the early Sunday morning after the Niners' victory over the Packers. It's obviously not yet clear whether Crabtree will face charges in this case. Most importantly for fantasy owners -- and Niners fans -- the team fully expects him to play at Atlanta on Sunday.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree is reportedly being investigated for sexual assault.  The alleged incident occurred after last week's win over the Packers.  While the issue won't keep Crab out of Sunday's game against the Falcons, it could impact his availability for the Super Bowl and/or the 2013 season.  We'll update this story as we learn more.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree torched the Patriots for 107 yards and 2 scores on 7 catches Sunday night.  He's now racked up 23 receptions and 301 yards over his last 3 outings.  It's the best 3-game stretch of Crab's career.  He's clearly become QB Colin Kaepernick's favorite target.  Over the past 3 weeks, 32 of Kaepernick's 80 throws have gone Crabtree's way.  That's 40%.  Even more amazing is that Crab has accounted for 49% of Kaepernick's yardage during that span.  Next up is a Seahawks team that held Crabtree to just 31 yards earlier this season.  But there's obviously more upside there now with Kaepernick under center.  And we'll have to see if Seattle CB Richard Sherman dodges that suspension another week.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree has enjoyed the healthiest offseason of his career.  OC Greg Roman can see the impact.  "He was playing last year on a bad wheel and battled his way through it," Roman said. "I think he's a lot healthier this year, and he certainly appears to be much quicker and faster."  Crab is locked-in as San Fran's #1 WR but will have more competition for targets.  Even if he plays better, it's tough to see him finishing much higher than his 33rd-place ranking from a year ago.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree has missed the past few days of practice with a leg injury.  The team hasn't disclosed any details, but it's believed to be a calf problem.  "Like any injury, you never know how long it's going to take these guys to come back," GM Trent Baalke said. "But he's working hard at it. The prognosis looks good."  The good news is that this injury is not related to the foot that Crabtree has had operated on twice.  But he needs to get back on the field to hold off the plethora of receivers behind him on the depth chart.

For the first time in his pro career, 49ers WR Michael Crabtree will have the luxury of a full offseason this year.  A contract dispute kept him off the field his rookie year, while neck and foot injuries limited his work the past 2 seasons.  "For him to have a benefit of an offseason and OTAs and training camp like he's never had, he's got an opportunity to have that offseason this year which he has not had -- and not of his own doing," HC Jim Harbaugh said.  "Looking forward to making the most of that this year."  Crab took a step forward last season, setting career-highs with 73 catches and 880 yards.  But even with continued improvement in 2012, his numbers could take a step back.  San Fran's WR corps is awfully crowded after the additions of Mario Manningham, Randy Moss, and rookie A.J. Jenkins.

As expected, 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) is active for today's game against the Lions.  He should see a nice bump in targets with WR Josh Morgan out.  Crab is a viable WR3 option with 6 teams on byes.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) continues to be limited in practice. He’s listed as probable, though, and will start against the Lions on Sunday. With WR Josh Morgan done for the year, Crab should see a boost in targets. He’s a viable WR3 if you’re hurting with bye weeks.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) is active for today's game against the Bucs.  He's close to 100% healthy and can be used as a WR3 if you're hurting with bye weeks.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) put in a week of limited practices and is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bucs.  He's getting closer to 100% and is coming off a game that saw him post season-highs in targets, catches, and yards.  Crab is approaching WR3 status but should still only be considered a desperation fantasy play.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) is active for today's game against the Eagles.  He's not a fantasy option until he puts something on tape though.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) was limited in practice all week but is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Eagles. He'll play but isn't a fantasy option at less than 100% against a stacked Philly secondary.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) is active for today's game against the Bengals.  Look for his snaps to be limited though.  Crab shouldn't be in fantasy lineups.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) was limited in practice all week but is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.  He'll play but shouldn't be in fantasy lineups.  Crab isn't a sure bet to make it through the whole game, and he has a tough matchup against CB Leon Hall anyways.

49ers GM Trent Baalke expects WR Michael Crabtree (foot) to return to action this Sunday.  He sat out Week 2 as he tries to get that bum foot healthy.  Crab is worth monitoring, but he's nowhere near a fantasy option until he proves he's at least close to 100%.