DraftKings Week 3 WR Report
Color Codes:
Favorable Matchup
Neutral
Matchup Risk/Against the Grain
Tough Matchup with Limited Upside
Playing Time Concern
Julio Jones (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,300): One defensive score by the Falcons at the end of the first half took the thunder out of the Atlanta’s passing attack in the second half. Julio caught five of his nine targets for 108 yards. After two games, he has nine catches for 174 yards on 14 targets. The Lions’ pass defense played well in Week 1 (15/149/1 on 29 targets) and Week 2 (9/89 on 16 targets). Last season five WRs had over 100 yards receiving against Detroit (Jordy Nelson – 6/101/2, Eddie Royal – 7/111/1, Kenny Britt – 7/136/2, Jamison Crowder – 7/108, and Doug Baldwin – 11/104/1). Three of these players ran their routes out of the slot while CB Darius Slay was beat in two games while having one-on-one coverage. Slay is an above average corner, but he can’t handle Jones in single coverage. High priced with not the best matchup on the road meaning he’ll be a lower percentage play. Worth a dance on some teams due to the strength of the Falcons’ offense.
Antonio Brown ($9,300/FD – $9,000): After his big game in Week 1 (11/182 on 11 targets), the Vikings kept Brown in check in Week 2 (5/62 on 11 targets). Chicago held the Falcons’ WRs to 13 catches for 149 yards on 18 targets in Week 1. They did struggle with Mike Evans (7/93/1) last week, but game score led to only five other completions to WRs for 57 yards on ten targets and minimal passing in the second half. Five WRs had over 100 yards receiving vs. the Bears in 2016 (Will Fuller – 5/107/1, T.Y. Hilton (10/171/1, Davante Adams – 13/132/2, Jordy Nelson – 7/124, and DeSean Jackson – 5/114). CB Kyle Fuller will have his hands full this week while needing safety help. Brown will be active in this game while scoring his first TD of the season. His high salary just commands a wide-open game, which doesn’t fit the Bears’ offensive profile with weakness at WR.
Odell Beckham (DK – $6,600/FD – $8,800): In his first game of the season, Beckham was only on the field for 34 of 56 plays run by the Giants. He caught four of his five targets for 36 yards leading to a below par game. Last year Odell had a nice game at Philly (11/150 on 20 targets) with some success at home (4/46/2 on ten targets). The Redskins’ WRs had 14 catches for 152 yards in Week 1. Kansas City struggled to get the ball to their WRs last week (10/120 on 13 targets). Seven WRs gained over 100 yards against Philly last year (Antonio Brown – 12/140, Dez Bryant – 4/113/1, Julio Jones – 10/135, Doug Baldwin – 4/104, Davante Adams – 5/113/2, DeSean Jackson – 3/102/1, and Odell Beckham – 11/150). Still limited by an injury and the Giants’ offensive line struggles to give Eli time to make big plays downfield. Not quite ready to pay off plus New York has more options in the passing game in 2017.
A.J. Green (DK – $8,100/FD – $7,500): The Bengals’ offense has been a disaster so far in 2017. They’ve scored no TDs while facing two tough defenses at home. Green delivered two steady games so far (5/74 and 5/67) while receiving 18 targets. The Packers’ defense wasn’t tested in Week 1 by WRs (SEA – 9/130) while showing some risk vs. the Falcons (13/226 on 20 target). Atlanta averaged 17.4 yards per catch at the WR position. Green Bay struggled with Stefon Diggs (9/182/1), Marvin Jones (6/205/2), and Adam Thielen (12/202/2) in the regular season plus Dez Bryant (9/132/2) and Julio Jones (9/180/2) in the playoffs. A.J. will be an edge over every CB on the field. The Packers should score in this game forcing the Bengals to chase on the scoreboard creating more chances in the passing game. Cinci looks to have a weak offense at this point of the season, but they may surprise in this game with a change at offensive coordinator. Top WR play at the top end for me at WR in Week 3.
Jordy Nelson (DK – $7,800/FD – $8,400): Nelson delivered the old goose egg in Week 2 to crush Fantasy teams across the country. He left the game with a non-contact injury that appears to be minor. Jordy returned to practice this week and the Packers expect him to play on Sunday with no limitations. Nelson played well in Week 1 at home (7/79/1 on eight targets). The Bengals ranked third in the league defending WR in 2016 while earning the number 1 ranking after two games in 2017. Game score has helped their pass defense along with two below par passing matchups. Jeremy Maclin was the top WR for the Ravens (2/56/1) while DeAndre Hopkins was active last week (7/73 on 13 targets). Only three WRs gained over 100 yards receiving vs. the Bengals in 2016 (Emmanuel Sanders – 9/117/2, Demaryius Thomas – 6/100/1, and Jamison Crowder – 9/107/1). This will be big step for Cinci’s defense while needing to cover the whole field in the passing game. I won’t write off Nelson this week, but I don’t see elite targets. His TD ability tends to separate him from the field.
Mike Evans (DK – $7,500/FD – $8,600): Evans did what he does best last week: score TDs. He caught seven of his nine targets for 93 yards and a TD, but Tampa didn’t need to throw in the second half due to game score. Minnesota made one mistake vs. the Steelers last week on a scoring pattern while giving up a gimmick TD on a shuffle pass at the goal line. Overall, they did a nice job against Pittsburgh (15/212/2 on 22 targets) after holding the Saints’ WRs to 13 catches for 163 yards on 19 targets in Week 1. Only two WRs gained over 100 yards receiving vs. the Vikings in 2016 (Marqise Lee – 5/113 and Jordy Nelson – 9/154/2). Mike will draw Xavier Rhodes in coverage where he’ll be able to match Evans in size and speed. Evans can beat a top defense at times just by sheer volume of targets and his edge in size at the goal line. I don’t fear his CB matchup while not expecting him to go off.
Michael Crabtree (DK – $7,400/FD – $7,700): Crabtree just makes plays and he can beat one-on-one coverage at the goal line. Last week he caught all six of his targets for 80 yards and three TDs. He had a similar game in Week 1 (6/83 on seven targets) minus the scoring. Washington got beat by one play in the passing game to a WR in Week 1 (Nelson Agholor – 6/86/1) while keeping Alshon Jeffery in check (3/38 on seven targets). The Rams WRs struggled to get open last week (5/71 on nine targets). Washington ranked 11th in the NFL defending WRs (208/2727/14) with six WRs gaining over 100 yards receiving (Antonio Brown – 8/126/2, Dez Bryant – 7/102, Odell Beckham – 7/121, A.J. Green – 9/121, Stefon Diggs – 13/164, and Cameron Meredith – 9/135/1). This week I expect Washington to use Josh Norman in coverage vs. Amari Cooper outside the red zone and Norman vs. Crabtree at the goal line. Michael has a higher salary, which commands elite targets something he won’t have in this game. Crabtree is a fade for me this week.
Brandin Cooks (DK – $7,300/FD – $7,500): Cooks was invited to the scoring party by the Patriots’ in Week 2. He caught only two of his four targets for 37 yards while Tom Brady passed for 441 yards and three TDs. After two games, Brandin only has five catches for 125 yards on 11 targets. The Texans weren’t challenge by WRs in Week 1 (5/71 on six targets) with Houston getting drilled on the scoreboard by Jacksonville. The Bengals’ WRs caught 13 of 21 targets for 159 yards last week. This will be the tougher test for the Texans secondary in 2017. Nine WRs gained over 100 yards receiving against Houston in 2016. Julian Edelman had eight catches for 137 yards on 13 targets in the AFC Championship game last year while Houston had no problem with the Patriots’ WRs (8/91 on 13 targets) in Week 3 with Jacoby Brissett starting. Falling salary and trust issues by Fantasy owners points to a coin flip play in the daily games. Due for a makeup game and Houston won’t be playing with one of their top CB (Kevin Johnson). Brandin should be active in this game and he’ll draw weak CB coverage.
Keenan Allen (DK – $7,200/FD – $7,200): Keenan was mispriced ($5,800) in Week 2. He caught nine of his ten targets for 100 yards. It was his second straight game with double digit targets. He runs great routes and he’s going to be Philip Rivers top receiving option in many games in 2017. The Chiefs held the Patriots’ WRs to ten catches for 196 yards on 19 targets in Week 1 (19.6 yards per catch). They struggled to defend Alshon Jeffery last week (7/92/1) with the remaining WRs on the Eagles catching eight of 14 passes for 107 yards and a TD. Nine WRs had over 100 yards receiving vs. the Chiefs in 2016 (DeAndre Hopkins – 7/113/1, Will Fuller – 4/104, Amari Cooper – 10/129, Michael Thomas – 10/130, Mike Evans – 6/105, Emmanuel Sanders – 7/162/1, Julio Jones – 7/113, Rishard Matthews – 4/105, and Antonio Brown – 6/108). High volume WR with scoring ability. He should make a big play or two and I expect him to beat his projections in Week 3.
Amari Cooper (DK – $7,100/FD – $7,700): Cooper had minimal chances (five targets) in Week 2 leading to only four catches for 33 yards. His struggles with drops at the goal line in Week 1 shifted the focus of Derek Carr to Michael Crabtree vs. the Jets. This reinforces my either thought that Amari is more of a big play WR than elite WR1 in the realm of Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, or Odell Beckham. Cooper has talent for sure, but his game loses value in the red zone. His matchup vs. CB Bashaud Breeland would be favorable if that is how the Redskins decided to cover him. As I stated earlier, I would use Norman on Cooper outside the 20-yard line where his speed is more dangerous. Possible upside game.
Michael Thomas (DK – $7,000/FD – $7,500): After two games, Thomas has 18 targets leading to ten catches for 134 yards. Fantasy owners invested highly in 2017 and they are waiting for him to pay off in a big way. In 2016, Michael had only ten catches for 146 yards and a TD on ten targets vs. the Panthers. This might not look attractive, but he did catch every target last year in this matchup. Carolina held the 49ers WRs to 11 catches for 117 yards on 19 targets in Week 1 with better success vs. the Bills (7/66 on 13 targets). Carolina struggled in the secondary in 2016 (230/2903/14 on 347 targets) with four players gaining over 100 yards receiving (Julio Jones – 12/300/1, Brandin Cooks – 7/173/1, Michael Crabtree – 8/110, and DeSean Jackson – 7/111). New Orleans should be able to work him into favorable situations in coverage. Drew Brees tend to be flat on the road. As much as I think Thomas will breakthrough, I have to temper my giddiness. His projects come out high (8/101/1) so I’m giving him the green light this week.
Golden Tate (DK – $6,900/FD – $7,400) – Tate wasn’t needed last week (4/25 on four targets) to beat the Giants while game score led to minimal passing action in the second half. Golden did play well at home in Week 1 (10/107 on 12 targets). The Falcons weren’t challenge vs. the Bears at WR (9/82 on 14 targets) in Week 1 due to poor WR options. The Packers’ WRs caught 18 of 24 targets for 192 yards and a TD, but they played almost the whole game without Jordy Nelson plus Randall Cobb left the game with an injury. In 2016, three WRs had over 100 yards receiving against Atlanta (Tyrell Williams – 7/140, Mike Evans – 11/150/2, and Michael Thomas – 10/156/1). Tate should avoid seeing CB Desmond Trufant in coverage on most plays. Possible high scoring game with Lions expected to chase on the scoreboard. Detroit won’t score many rushing TDs so multiple passing TDs are up for grabs in this game. Viable.
Jarvis Landry (DK – $6,800/FD – $6,800: Cutler gave Landry the Brandon Marshall opportunity in Week 2. He looked his way 15 times leading to 13 catches for 78 yards. Jarvis is going to catch a ton of balls over the short areas of the field in this offense while being an extension of the run game. Last year he had three catches for 108 yards and a TD on four targets in his game in New York while coming up short at home (3/33). In 2015, Landry had his best game (13/165/1) of the season vs. the Jets on the road. WRs only have 15 catches for 202 yards and four TDs on 19 targets in two games against New York due to huge weakness stopping the run. Solid floor due to his volume of targets with a winning resume in this matchup on the road. His downside would be continued failure defending the run by the Jets. New York needs to score to create more passing opportunities for Miami.
Kelvin Benjamin (DK – $6,700/FD – $6,600): Kelvin started to show some upside last week. He caught six of his seven targets for 77 yards after being a non-factor in Week 1 (1/25 on five targets). Last year he had 11 catches for 142 yards on 18 targets in two games vs. the Saints. New Orleans played him well in his rookie season (2/18 on ten targets and 2/24/1 on five targets). The Vikings beat up on the Saints’ secondary in Week 1 (18/288/2 on 21 targets) while the Patriots (10/183/1 on 13 targets) decided to focus on their RBs (12/143/1) and Rob Gronkowski (6/116/1). This matchup should be favorable for Benjamin with a huge step up in targets with Greg Olsen injured. I expect him to be a popular play at this level. If I want to follow the herd, I could push all in. If you want to think like a coach, New Orleans will double him while moving up their safeties to support the run.
Tyreek Hill (DK – $6,600/FD – $7,300): The excitement of Hill ended in Week 2. The Eagles held him to four catches for 43 yards on six targets after his explosive game in Week 1 (7/133/1). As great as he looks, Tyreek only has 14 targets in two games with three rushes for 11 yards. Last year he had six catches for 55 yards and a TD on eight targets vs. the Chargers. The Broncos WRs had 11 catches for 114 yards and two TDs on 18 targets in Week 1. Jay Cutler completed 19 of his 29 passes to WRs for 200 yards and a TD. In 2016, the Chargers ranked 6th in the league defending WRs (189/2594/12) despite losing CB Jason Verrett for 12 games. Four WRs has over 100 yards receiving against LA last year (T.Y. Hilton – 8/174/1, Julio Jones – 9/174, Amari Cooper – 6/138/1, and DeVante Parker (5/103). Possible uptick in targets, but he’ll draw the Chargers’ top CB Casey Heyward in coverage.
Stefon Diggs (DK – $65,00/FD – $6,500): With a downgrade at QB while facing a better defense, Diggs only caught two of his six targets for 27 yards. This came after a nice showing in Week 1 (7/93/2). Bradford turned in a limited practice on Thursday pointing to a game time decision on Sunday. I don’t think he’ll play. Tampa gave up 16 catches for 194 yards and a TD on 25 targets to the Bears’ weak WR core in Week 2. Stefon should see CB Brent Grimes in coverage who has some risk with age not being his friend. Volume receiver, but Diggs needs the Vikings to move the ball. It really comes down to who is behind center.
Doug Baldwin (DK – $6,400/FD – $7,400): Baldwin was drafted by many Fantasy owners as a top ten WR in the season long drafts this summer. His success over two games (4/63 and 6/44) is rather boring while receiving 13 targets. His catch rate (76.9) remains an area of strength. The Titans allowed 13 catches for 166 yards and two TDs on 22 targets in Week 1 followed up with a 15/171/1 game vs. the Jaguars with most of the WR action coming in garbage time. Eleven WRs had over 100 yards receiving against Tennessee in 2016 with 12 WRs catching seven passes or more. Doug will draw Logan Ryan in coverage. Last season Baldwin had six catches for 59 yards and three TDs vs. the Patriots with Ryan on the roster. Russell Wilson doesn’t have many other options in the passing game with Jimmy Graham injured. Favorable matchup with a TD and plenty of chances expected.
DeVante Parker (DK – $6,300/FD – $6,500): Parker landed on the injury report this week with an ankle issue, but he’s expected to play on Sunday. As expected, Miami used DeVante as their big play WR. He caught only four of his nine targets for 85 yards. His game does look exciting with Cutler behind center as Jay will take some chances when he’s matched up with one-on-one coverage on the outside. If you add in a strong run game, play action TDs will become more of the norm in Miami in 2017. Last season he only had three catches for 25 yards on seven targets in two games vs. the Jets. I don’t fear CB Morris Claiborne, but he’s played well enough over the last two seasons to question the upside of Parker in this game. DeVante is going to breakthrough in 2017 so why not start this week vs. the Jets’ defense that has huge problems in all areas.
DeAndre Hopkins (DK – $6,200/FD – $7,500): Hopkins has seven catches in each of his first two games in 2017 for 128 yards and a TD while receiving massive targets (29). His catch rate (48.3) needs improvement, which will come with more playing time with Deshaun Watson behind center. Last season DeAndre had two short games (4/56 on eight targets and 6/65 on nine targets vs. New England) while playing these games with subpar QB play. Watson is an upgrade at QB and he is going to get the ball to Hopkins. Game score will lead to a chaser game and the Patriots will use a zone defense if the play from the lead. Most will fear this matchup due to Houston having just about nothing at WR behind him and injuries at the TE position. Worth a swing due to his garbage time value.
Chris Hogan (DK – $6,100/FD – $6,100): Hogan moved up a ton in drafts after Julian Edelman went down with an injury. He looked sharp in Week 2 (5/78/1) while receiving only six targets. Chris did limp off the field with a knee injury. He turned in a couple of limited practice this week while expecting to play on Sunday. The Patriots should have Danny Amendola back in the starting lineup in Week 3, which will limit Hogan’s targets. Last year he had one catch for three yards on three targets vs. the Texans in the regular season. Chris did hit on a couple of plays against Houston in the payoffs (4/95/4). Tough to trust his targets while having a much higher price point. I would fade him this week.
Randall Cobb (DK – $6,000/FD – $6,400): I downgraded Cobb to out this week after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a chest issue. The Packers have him listed a questionable while being a game time decision on Sunday. After two games, Randall has 15 catches for 145 yards on 22 targets. Improving opportunity while losing a couple of plays last week due to penalties. Need more info, but his injury risk would keep me away on the daily games.
Demaryius Thomas (DK – $5,900/FD – $7,100): Thomas has eight targets in both games this season leading to 11 catches for 138 yards. Demaryius is still looking for his first TD in 2017 while only scoring one TD in his last 11 games. The Bills haven’t allowed a TD in 2017 with success defending WRs (NYJ – 13/91 on 22 targets and CAR – 13/158 on 20 targets). Only three WRs gained over 100 yards receiving vs. Buffalo in 2016 (Eric Decker – 6/126/1, Brandon Marshall – 6/101, and Kenny Stills – 5/100/1), but this is a completely new core of defenders in the secondary. Their best CB will be Tre’Davious White after he was drafted in the first round in 2017. Demaryuis’s scoring draught should end this week, but both teams will run the ball while trying to game score in line.
Alshon Jeffery (DK – $5,900/FD – $7,500): The Alshon we were looking for in 2015 and 2016 emerged in Week 2. He caught seven of his 13 targets for 92 yards and a TD. It was only Alshon’s third TD in his last 14 games. WRs only have 18 catches for 233 yards and a TD on 36 targets over the first two games this year. Last week New York played without top CB Janoris Jenkins who will be needed to defend Jeffery in Week 3. Five WRs had over 100 yards receiving against New York in 2016 (Randall Cobb – 9/108, Terrelle Pryor – 6/131, Golden Tate – 8/122, Davante Adams – 8/125/1, and Randall Cobb – 5/116/3). Not the best matchup even the Giants struggling to win games. Alshon does get a bump in value if Jenkins is out.
Terrelle Pryor (DK – $5,900/FD – $6,900): Pryor came up short vs. the Rams (2/31 on four targets) in Week 1. It wasn’t a great matchup for him, but Cousin didn’t need to get him the ball with Washington having so much success running the ball. This week his matchup won’t get easier with CB Sean Smith waiting on the other side of the field. Smith missed last week’s game with a neck issue, but he returned to practice this week. After two games, WRs have 26 catches for 273 yards and two TDs on 42 targets against Oakland with Jermaine Kearse (4/64/2) having the most success. Not ideal so a Fantasy owner will need to wait another week for Pryor to climb up the WR rankings.
Emmanuel Sanders (DK – $5,800/FD – $6,900): Sanders scored a pair of TDs last week helping him post a nice game (6/62/2) for his price point. After two games, he has 14 targets with nine catches for 88 yards and a TD. The Bills should matchup rookie CB Tre’Davious White against him, which is a favorable matchup. One of the two top receivers on the Broncos should score this week with their targets tied to the upside in scoring in this game. His ticket came in last week so I’m more in Thomas’s camp in this game.
Martavis Bryant (DK – $5,700/FD – $6,500): The Scout message board crew was ready to jump ship on Bryant after his small output in Week 1 (2/14 on six targets). He had a tough matchup vs. the Vikings, but Martavis has too much talent to be riding on a Fantasy bench. He only had four targets last week, but he made the most of his opportunity (3/91/1). Bryant will have explosive games, which make him a wild card in the daily games. His matchup vs. the Beas CB Marcus Cooper does look favorable, but Antonio Brown should have the better matchup. Le’Veon Bell looks primed for a big game so Martavis is on the back burner in the daily games in Week 3 with Chicago not expected to post a big score offensively.
Adam Thielen (DK – $5,700/FD – $6,000): Just like Stefon Diggs, Thielen come up short last week with a backup QB behind center. He caught five of his six targets for 44 yards after shining in Week 1 (9/157). I don’t expect Adam to have any problems with CB Robert McClain, but his value isn’t high enough without Sam Bradford behind center. It makes sense to avoid him in the daily games in Week 3.
Davante Adams (DK – $5,600/FD – $6,800): With Jordy Nelson coming off an injury and Randall Cobb expected to miss this week’s game, Adams looks to be an excellent value based on his expected opportunity. Last week he caught eight of his ten targets for 99 yards and a TD. Over the first two games, Davante has 17 targets. He’ll draw Adam Jones in coverage on most plays. Jones plays with an edge while getting up there in age (33). Winnable matchup while being expected to be the top WR in the Packers’ offense vs. Cinci.
Danny Amendola (DK – $5,400/FD – $6,300): Amendola missed last week’s game with concussion and a knee injury. He turned in a limited practice on Thursday so his status won’t be known until Sunday. Tough to trust with his injuries so I’d wait a week before adding him to your daily roster plus he’s overpriced for me. Danny isn’t the next Julian Amendola in this offense due to his durability concerns.
T.Y. Hilton (DK – $5,200/FD – $6,700): Hilton continues to lose value in all formats due to the loss of Andrew Luck not his ability on the field. The Cardinals held him to four catches for 49 yards on six targets, which followed up a short game in Week 1 (3/57 on seven targets). Cleveland struggled with Antonio Brown (11/182) in Week 1 while not being challenged in the passing game by the Ravens (5/38/1 on eight targets due to game score. Last season six WRs gained over 100 yards receiving against Cleveland (Jordan Matthews – 7/114/1, Jarvis Landry – 7/120/1, Chris Hogan – 4/114, Kendall Wright – 8/133/1, and A.J. Green – 8/169/1). Let me ask you this, if you owned Jack Doyle, would he be in your starting lineup this week after catching eight passes for 79 yards last week? I’d say the answer is: yes. Jacoby Brissett has talent and he is going to improve. Hilton is the best weapon in this offense and he’s playing the BROWNS at home. Keep the faith while building your bankroll… Hilton is in play this week thanks to his fading salary.
Brandon Marshall (DK – $5,000/FD – $6,700): I won’t waste your time or mine on Marshall this week. Over two games, he has two catches for 27 yards on nine targets. He’s smart guy and he looks good on TV, but he’s lost his football heart while just collecting a paycheck. Until he follows the yellow brick road and finds his passion for the game, Brandon will become a distant Fantasy memory in 2017. By all means play him if you click you heels three times and hope he gets head out of the clouds.
Jamison Crowder (DK – $4,900/FD – $5,700): After two games, Crowder doesn’t look to be on the path to catch 100+ balls as many Fantasy owners expected. He only has 12 targets leading to seven catches for 61 yards. Last week he had a drop off in snaps (49 – 38) even with Washington running more plays (71 to 63). The success of the run game could have been the reason, but the Redskins did rotate in Ryan Grant and Josh Doctson behind him. Based on his play and CB matchup, this looks like an average matchup. In Week 2, Washington attempted only 27 passes so I’m willing to give him a pass while losing my excitement and desire to play him in the daily games. A 10-to-13 point player in the season long games with more upside when he scores.
Sterling Shepard (DK – $4,700/ FD – $6,100): I bumped Shepard to WR2 for the Giants in Week 3 even with a short resume (nine catches for 67 yards on 12 targets) over the first two games of the season. Sterling led New York in WR snaps (112) so far in 2017. Last year he had seven catches for 61 yards and a TD on 11 targets in his game in Philly with mid-level success at home (3/50/1). Shepard has a favorable WR/CB matchup, but his targets remain limbo especially with a three-way split in targets at WR. Possible Eli stack flier.
Kenny Golladay (DK – $4,600/FD – $5,900): Golladay drew attention from Fantasy owners in the season long draft based on his play in the preseason. He has the talent to be a WR1 when he gains more experience. He flashed in Week 1 (4/69/2 on seven targets). His success piqued the interest of Fantasy owner who wanted to put him in the starting line vs. the Giants. It ended up being the wrong move as Kenny only caught one of his three targets for eight yards while receiving WR3 snaps for the Lions. This week I have him in a dead heat in output with Marvin Jones based on his expected CB matchup. Either way, Golladay looks over priced for his chances even with scoring ability. I like Matt Stafford this week so Kenny may surprise.
DeSean Jackson (DK – $4.600/$6,400): In his first game in Tampa, Jackson caught three of seven targets for 39 yards. Game score led to short passes in the second half and fewer snaps (36). DeSean fished as a WR3 in the Bucs’ offense based on playing time and game score. In 2016, he missed his game vs. the Vikings. His game is built on speed, but Jackson won’t have an edge on CB Trae Waynes in this area. Tough cover for most CBs due to his route running and deep speed. Capable of 100 yards receiving, but this isn’t the best matchup.
Jermaine Kearse (DK – $4,600/FD – $5,800): After spending five seasons in Seattle, Kearse became Fantasy relevant in his two starts for the Jets (7/59 and 4/64/2). Last week he only had five targets so he made the most of his opportunity. Based on playing time (104 snaps), Jermaine is the WR1 in this offense while gaining trust from Josh McCown. Miami allowed 14 catches for 165 yards on 17 targets in Week 2. The Dolphins ranked 22nd in the NFL vs. WRs in 2016 with six WRs gaining over 100 yards (Terrelle Pryor – 8/144, A.J. Green – 10/173/1, Tyrell Williams – 5/125/1, Sammy Watkins – 7/154/1, Julian Edelman – 8/151/1, and Antonio Brown (5/124/2). His success will draw more attention for the opposing defense and his career resume doesn’t support his success long term. A return to the pumpkin patch seem like his next destination.
Tyrell Williams (DK – $4,600/FD – $6,500): Over the first two games, Williams has nine catches for 108 yards on 11 targets while receiving the most WR snaps (107 of 117 plays) on the Chargers. In 2016, he had eight catches for 141 yards on 12 targets against the Chiefs. Tyrell should have a slight edge in his WR/CB matchup, but it’s tougher to trust his targets from week-to-week with Keenan Allen back on the field. He has big play and scoring ability so Williams will work at time in a Rivers’ stack.
Mohamed Sanu (DK – $4,500/FD – $5,400): I like what I’m seeing from Sanu over the first two games of the season. He’s been active in the passing game (11/132 on 15 targets) while making big plays (three catches over 20 yards in Week 2). Last year he caught 59 balls, but only six went for 20 yards or more. For the sharp Fantasy owner, they will find his matchup against QB Quandre Diggs ranking highly in Week 3. I like Matt Ryan this week so someone has to catch TDs. I’m more in the Taylor Gabriel camp, but I have to use Mohamed on some of my Ryan teams.
Kendell Wright (DK – $4,300/FD – $5,600): Wright played at the level Fantasy owners expected him to in Week 2 (7/69) after Chicago lost both starting WRs (Cam Meredith and Kevin White). With the Bears trailing vs. the Bucs, Kendall had ten targets with WR2 snaps (55). He’s listed as questionable for this week’s game with shoulder issue. Chicago expects him to play on Sunday. WRs have 19 catches for 211 yards and a TD on 32 targets vs. Pittsburgh over the first two games of the season. A possible chaser game does invite more passes so Wright may work on the opposite side of a Steelers’ stack while most would be drawn to Tarik Cohen. More boring than explosive for me.
Tyler Lockett (DK – $4,300/FD – $5,800): After being eased into action in Week 1 (one catch for eight yards on three targets), Lockett played well vs. the 49ers. He caught six of his nine targets for 64 yards while being on the field for 61 of 82 plays compared to 26 of 49 the previous week. Fantasy owners expected upside in his game, but injuries led to regression in 2016. In addition to his offensive play, Tyler does return kicks giving him another chance at scoring. With Jimmy Graham expected to be out this week, Lockett may have a chance to shine while facing a weak option at CB (Adoree Jackson). If you believe in Russell Wilson rebounding, it has to be Lockett or Baldwin who has a big game. Survey says, “yes”…he’s in play at this level.
Devin Funchess ($4,200/FD – $4,800): It’s put up or shut up time for Funchess with Greg Olsen out for a big portion of the 2017 season. He has six catches for 88 yards on eight targets while leading the Panthers’ WRs in targets in both games. Last year Devin only had four catches for 60 yards and a TD on 13 targets in two games vs. the Saints. CB De’Vante Harris has struggled out of gate while the Saints have risk in their secondary. Viable gamble in a Cam stack while being undervalued at Fanduel. Carolina should breakout offensively so this dart may hit the inner circle on the board in Week 3.
Marvin Jones (DK – $4,200/FD – $5,900): After two games, Jones only has three catches for 64 yards and a TD on seven targets. He led the Lions in WR snaps (56) vs. the Giants, which was the case in Week 1. Marvin will see most of his playing time on the right ride of the formation leading to him drawing CB Desmond Trufant in coverage. This is poor matchup and I expect the Lions to look to their other weapons in the passing game to beat the Falcons.
Nelson Agholor (DK – $4,200/FD – $5,400): Fantasy owners, that played Agholor in the second week of the season in the season long games after his big game in Week 1 (6/86/1), survived with 6.9 points Fantasy points after getting shutout for most of the game. The Eagles ran many three-WR set leading to Nelson being on the field for 55 plays compared to 61 by Alshon Jeffery and 62 by Torrey Smith. In 2016, Agholor had six catches for 88 yards and a TD on 12 targets against the Giants. CB Eli Apple has been the weak link in coverage for the Giants so far, which gives Nelson a chance at more targets. I don’t trust his chances or upside so I would look elsewhere for an impactful game.
Rishard Matthews (DK – $4,200/FD – $6,200): Matthews has eight catches for 114 yards on 14 targets in his two starts. The Titans’ passing game remains below expected value while drawing a below par matchup this week. He lines up on Richard Sherman’s side of the field so this isn’t a great matchup. Sherman battled a hamstring injury last week, but he was able to play. I would avoid Rishard this week in the daily games even with a short salary.
Ted Ginn (DK – $4,100/FD – $5,800): Ginn remains the big play WR on the outside for the Saints. His opportunity would be helped by better success in the run game helping play action passes. Over two games, Ted has seven catches for 77 yards on 11 targets with WR3 snaps. He returns to Carolina where he had his best success of his career. New Orleans may try to get him a TD. Ginn should be matched up with CB James Bradberry who is an above average corner. I would only use him if I played Drew Brees.
Kenny Britt (DK – $4,100/FD – $5,400): Britt has been a huge disappointment to Fantasy owners and the Browns after two games. He only has two catches for 15 yards with five targets. He lost his starting job last week to Rashard Higgins only to get a reprieve with Corey Coleman getting hurt. His success in 2016 (68/1002/5) should point to more upside, but he can’t make DeShone Kizer throw him the ball. Only a gamble for the faint of heart.
Paul Richardson (DK – $4,100/FD – $4,900): I had Richardson listed as out earlier in the week after suffering a finger injury. He turned in a full practice on Thursday so he looks good to go on Sunday. Last week he had two catches for 19 yards and a TD on five targets while being on the field for 39 plays. He dropped to WR3 with Tyler Lockett regaining his full role. Low volume option with a minor injury points to minimal upside.
Taylor Gabriel (DK – $4,000/FD – $5,100): In the first two games, Gabriel only has five catches for 50 yards on seven targets while being on the field for 58 of 117 plays run by the Falcons. Taylor tends to be a gimmick type player with big play ability. Over an eight-game stretch in the second half of 2016, Taylor had seven TDs and six games with 14 or more Fantasy points in PPR leagues. Sneaky piece to a Ryan stack.
Rashard Higgins (DK – $4,000/FD – $5,100): The injury to Corey Coleman creates a window for Higgins to see starting stats. Last week he caught seven of his 11 targets for 95 yards. Now, we should ask where he came from and does he have a chance to produce each week? In my 2016 Cleveland Browns outlook, I wrote this about him: Higgins has solid hands with below par speed and quickness. He won’t win many battles in press coverage while struggling to create separation downfield. Over three seasons at Colorado State, Rashard caught 239 passes for 3,649 yards and 31 TDs. Last week he had the most WR snaps (54) on the Browns over Kenny Britt, which tells me Cleveland likes his development. Worth a dance with a favorable salary.
Phillip Dorsett (DK – $4,000/FD – $5,200): Dorsett had WR3 snaps for the Patriots last week with Danny Amendola injury. He caught all three of his targets for 68 yards while receiving one rush for seven yards. Phillip left last week’s game with a knee issue while being limited this week in practice. With Amendola expected to play this week, Dorsett won’t have playable value in the daily games. Player to follow as he could develop into the top slot option in this offense.
Eric Decker (DK – $4,000/FD – $5,900): Decker only has six catches for 42 yards on 13 targets over the first two games of the season creating trust issue for Fantasy owners. Last week he had two catches early only see almost empty stats for the rest of the game. Eric continues to get starting WR snaps (104 of 132 plays) while his competition for playing time Corey Davis had a setback with his hamstring issue. Decker runs most of his patterns out of the slot leading to weaker coverage this week by CB Jeremy Lane or CB Shaquill Griffin. Marcus Mariota is very good around the goal line and Delanie Walker will draw more attention at the goal line this week after scoring in the first two games. I expect Eric to have his best game of the season with a TD.
Brandon Coleman (DK – $3,900/FD – $5,500): In Week 1, Coleman only had two catches 13 yards on three targets. Hidden in his stat line was the WR2 snaps (48). Brandon made a couple of plays in the passing game (4/82/1 on six targets) while hitting on a TD. His success will warrant more chances at least for another week until Willie Snead returns to the starting lineup. The Saints have been using him out of the slot on most plays pointing to a matchup with CB Caption Munnerlyn. Brandon will have the size advantage plus the ability to make big plays. Drew Brees plays better at home so Coleman may not get the needed targets. Viable play in a Saints’ stack, but his targets would be high enough to high floor with hitting on a long play or TD.
Donte Moncrief (DK – $3,800/FD – $5,400): Jacoby Brissett struggled to get the ball to Moncrief in Week 2. He caught only two of his eight targets for 18 yards. This came after short game (1/50 on four targets) in Week 1 as well. His lack of success against the Cardinals was due to him facing CB Patrick Peterson on many plays. The QB play should improve going forward helping Donte rise for the bottom of the WR pool. CB Jason McCourty is a league average player. Too much negative in Indy to give Moncrief the green light for the daily games even with a favorable matchup.
Torrey Smith (DK – $3,600/FD – $5,300): Smith had only one catch for 30 yards on three targets in Week 1. His role was much improved vs. the Chiefs (4/66 on eight targets) giving Torrey at least a pulse going forward. He remains the WR2 in this offense as a deep threat while showing some scoring ability at the goal line in 2014 with the Ravens (11 TDs). The Giants played without top CB Janoris Jenkins last week leading to a drop down in coverage at CB. Smith should see CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in coverage, which looks like a low upside matchup. His game is built on HR plays so one missed step by a defender puts him in range for mid-teens score.
Jordan Matthews (DK – $3,500/FD – $6,200): Matthews caught five of his targets for 91 yards in the first two games of the season while receiving WR1 snaps for the Bills. In his three seasons in the NFL, Jordan has averaged 75 catches per year for 891 yards and 6.3 TDs. His resume is high enough to be in play at this level at DraftKings (too high at Fanduel), but he draws one of the tougher secondary’s in the league. WRs have 29 catches for 259 yards and three TDs on 52 targets in 2017 against the Broncos. Not dead in the water based on salary, but he’ll see a lot of CB Chris Harris this week.
Deonte Thompson (DK – $3,500/FD – $4,500): By default, Thompson could be the number one WR in Chicago this week. He caught four of his five targets last week for 57 yards and a TD while receiving WR3 snaps. Markus Wheaton is now longer on the injury while he’s expected to play vs. the Steelers. He may need a game to find his rhythm while Kendall Wright is listed as questionable with a shoulder issue. Low resume, but someone must catch the ball for the Bears.
Robby Anderson (DK – $3,400/FD – $5,200): After two games, Anderson only has six catches for 50 yards on 12 targets while playing second fiddle to Jermaine Kearse. He’s been on the field for 100 of 114 plays run by the Jets. Robby landed on the injury report this week with a knee issue. Last year he had a nice game (4/80/1) at home vs. the Dolphins while coming flat on the road (4/49). Miami allowed 14 catches for 165 yards on 17 targets in Week 2 vs. the Chargers. Home run hitter who may seeing weaker coverage with Kearse shining early in the year. The key is his injury status.
Zay Jones (DK – $3,100/FD – $4,500): In his second game in the NFL, Zay had a chance to play hero if he caught a game winning TD with seconds left in the game. He made a slight move in his route to put him in a tougher position to catch the ball. It was good to see him break wide open in a big moment in the game. After two games, Jones has three catches for 39 yards on ten targets while being on the field for 115 of 131 plays. He draws the Broncos’ defense…do have to say more?
Geronimo Allison (DK – $3,000/FD – $4,600): If Randall Cobb can’t play on Sunday, Allison will get a bump in playing time. Over the last two games in 2016 with improved snaps, he had eight catches for 157 yards and a TD on 13 targets. Possible flier in a Packers’ stack if the news breaks his way.
