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Bye Weeks: Dallas, Jacksonville, Baltimore, New York Jets
Jordan Matthews is one of seven rookie
WRs that are among the top 30 in fantasy points per game.
Grab a Helmet
Just about any rookie WR v. Anyone:
Joseph’s bit about conventional fantasy wisdom last
week rang as true as a bell. As bad as rookie running backs
have been, rookie wide receivers have been amazing. This past week
alone, Kelvin
Benjamin, Mike
Evans, Brandin
Cooks, Jordan
Matthews, Martavis
Bryant, and Odell
Beckham Jr. had monster games that paced many fantasy squads.
Due to draft flow, and my own ineptness, I was forced to go all
in on a few rookie pass catchers this year in our FFToday
Staff league, and they have saved my bacon more times than I
can count. Each one of these guys, with the addition of Sammy Watkins
are producing weekly WR2/3 numbers. Evans, Benjamin, Mathews, Bryant
and Beckham are your best bets for consistency as their size matters
in the red zone, but consider yourself in good shape down the stretch
if you have one or more of these guys on your squad.
Malcom
Floyd v. OAK: Tucked way down on many fantasy benches
and waiver wires sits Malcom Floyd. As the rookie receivers grab
headlines, and the hearts of fantasy owners, Floyd sits waiting
for his shot. Well if there was a week to roll out the deep threat
vet, this is it. The whole San Diego offense is due for a rebound
game, and what better time than now against the hapless Raiders.
A much sneakier play in standard leagues, Floyd has quietly put
together a decent season. He’s gone for at least 50 yards in 7 of
his 9 games, which means he has a decent floor for a WR3. His big
play upside, and offensive role means he could really provide some
great value as a spot starter this week.
Golden
Tate v. ARI: Last week’s game against Miami proved that
there are plenty of balls to go around in the Lions’ pass offense.
After dominating targets during Megatron’s multi-game absence, Tate
didn’t get eclipsed during his towering teammate’s return, as he
racked up a 11-for-109 line on 13 targets. That makes three games
in a row over the 100-yard mark for Tate, something few receivers
have done this year. More of a WR3 in standard leagues with the
return of Johnson, Tate makes a strong WR2 in PPR leagues, especially
this week where the Cardinals will roll coverage to Calvin. Look
for Tate to rack up yardage on dig, and crossing routes, but have
a hard time finding pay dirt, especially in the red zone.
Grab Some Pine
Larry
Fitzgerald v. DET: Fitzgerald has turned back the clock
in recent weeks, flashing the dominating ability he had earlier
in his career. In his last three games with recently injured Carson
Palmer at the helm, Fitzgerald has tallied 21 catches for 342
yards and a touchdown. With such a hot streak, why the Pine recommendation?
Drew Stanton. As you know by now Palmer is out for the year, and
in the three games with Stanton driving the bus, Fitzgerald was
nearly invisible as he only managed 12 catches for 142 yards and
no scores. Stanton’s propensity to look deep, and not go through
his progressions means that Fitz sometimes gets lost in the mix.
Stanton’s call-up is good news for Michael Floyd, but bad news
for Fitzgerald. He’s tough to sit right now, but don’t be shocked
if he burns you.
T.Y.
Hilton v. NE: Few players have been hotter over the
last 5 games than T.Y. Hilton, but a trip to Revis Island awaits
on Sunday. Now I would never outright bench Hilton, but I would
temper my expectations for production. Luck has matured enough
as a quarterback that he takes what the defense gives him. The
philosophy of the New England defense has frequently been to sell
out to neutralize the opposing team’s best offensive player, so
look for Luck to spread the wealth, which may leave Hilton on
the short end of the stick.
Mike
Wallace v BUF (THUR): I really don’t like any
Miami skill position players against a dangerous, desperate Bills
team on Thursday night. Wallace has found the end zone plenty,
but every score seems like it comes off gadget play or scramble
drill in the red zone. The deep ball, once a staple of his game,
has been as rare as a glass of water in the desert. He’s
yet to hit 100 yards receiving, and has actually failed to top
70 yards since Week 3! He’s extremely touchdown dependent
right now, and that’s bad news for a guy you might be counting
on as a WR2. With the entire Miami offense banged up, Wallace
is nothing more than a desperation play.
Quarterbacks 
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