Wide Receivers

Start 'Em:
Wide Receivers Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Lee Evans vs. NYJ
Over his last 4 games, Evans has exploited the poor pass defenses of the Dolphins, Chargers, Cardinals and Rams for 19 catches, 383 yards and 3 TDs. This week he gets a chance to do the same to the Jets - who were just picked apart by practice-squad QB Tyler Thigpen. With Josh Reed out, if Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy step in and make a few plays, Evans should be in line for more solid totals.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. JAX
I was concerned about a decline in Housh’s production when it became clear that Carson Palmer’s injury was going to linger, but he has managed to deliver good performances despite being stuck with backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick behind center. TDs may remain elusive, but he is 2nd in the NFL in receptions and is a must start this week against a surprisingly soft Jacksonville pass D.

Calvin Johnson @ CHI
Moving from one wide receiver on a winless team to another, Calvin Johnson hasn’t caught many passes - but he has made them count with TDs in 3 straight games. His QB Dan Orlovsky has been respectable of late, quietly finding a groove and developing chemistry with his top receiver. He’s liable throw a pick or two (and get safetied) but what do you care? CJ should get in the end zone again.

Plaxico Burress vs. DAL
Is anyone else shocked that Plax doesn’t lead the Giants in receptions? (the other Steve Smith does, 29 catches to Plax’s 28). Burress has been in a funk lately; over his last 4 games only 13 catches and 2 TDs. I really like him to make some plays this week against the Cowboys. The team needs him and he is too good not to deliver in a big spot. The smaller, makeshift secondary of Dallas will have lots of trouble with the 6’5” Plax.

DeSean Jackson @ SEA
After a great start to the season, DeSean has cooled off with only 10 grabs for 178 yards and 0 TDs in his last 3 games. Both he and McNabb should not have a problem getting back on track against a piss-poor Seahawks pass defense that has given up 11 TDs and many long plays. Only the Dolphins and Saints have allowed more 20+ yard passes. This screams for DeSean’s speed to play a big role.

Donnie Avery vs. ARI
In the spirit of staying with rookie wide-outs, you have to just love Donnie Avery here. He’s got 3 TDs in his young career and they have all come in the last 4 games. Think Marc Bulger is happy? Last week’s 69-yard score to Avery was the longest TD pass of his career. The Rams are playing inspired football under HC Jim Haslett and no one has given up more TDs through the air (14) than the Cardinals. It all adds up to another big game for Donnie.

Bench 'Em:
Wide Receivers Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Donald Driver @ TEN
This Donnie seems to be headed in the other direction. With just 14 catches for 164 yards and 1 TD in his last 4, Driver’s numbers aren’t great considering he is catching passes from one of fantasy’s top QBs. More importantly, this week’s opponent, the Titans, have only given up 3 passing TDs on the season while intercepting 12 balls. Double D is in line for another quiet week.

Kevin Walter @ MIN
Jeez, it’s awfully hard to put a guy on this side of the list who just scored 2 TDs last week, but that’s how it is. You know Andre Johnson will get his, but Walter is the type of receiver that does his damage against teams like the Bengals (13 passing TDs allowed) and the Jaguars (12 passing TDs allowed). The Vikings have given up 6 aerial scores and I think they will limit K-Dub this week.

Randy Moss @ IND
Overall Randy Gene Moss’s numbers aren’t anywhere close to what was expected of him, but he has given very good totals in 3 out of his last 4 games – against some very bad defenses. Sunday night’s showdown comes against the Colts, one of the best pass defense teams in the NFL. They allow an average of 178 YPG through the air and have given up only 2 passing TDs. I can’t say I would outright bench him - but don’t expect much.

Santana Moss vs. PIT
Another Moss, another receiver that you can’t bench based on a bad matchup; but Santana is in a tough spot here. His 50-yard score against the Lions was predictable, but the Steelers are antithesis of the Lions. Pittsburgh is only team in the NFL that has not allowed a passing play of 40+ yards, and they have given up only 11 passing plays of 20+ yards, tops in the NFL. I just don’t see him making too much of an impact.

Braylon Edwards vs. BAL
1 big game in 7 starts is certainly not what I expected. Very disappointing overall numbers, Edwards has caught 4 or more passes in only 3 games this season, and hasn’t caught more than 5 in any game. You’re asking a lot if you expect him to do much against the pass D of the Ravens, who have been holding opponents to an average of 178 passing YPG. In Week 3 @ Bal: 3 grabs for 27 yards. Hopefully you have better options at your service.