Wide Receivers
Michael Thomas, NO (DK – $9,900/FD – $9,200)
Last week Thomas set the NFL record for receptions (145) after his third straight impact game (11/134/1, 12/128/1, and 12/136/1). Over his previous 11 games, he gained over 100 yards in nine games and eight contests with ten catches or more. His catch rate (82.4) is elite while averaging 11.7 targets per game. Thomas beat the Panthers for ten catches for 101 yards and one TD on 11 targets in Week 12. Carolina fell to 24th in WR defense (37.61 FPPG – 218/2703/12 on 335 targets). Seven WRs gained over 100 yards against the Panthers (Chris Godwin – 8/121/1, D.J. Chark – 8/164/2, Chris Godwin – 10/51, Davante Adams – 7/118, Calvin Ridley – 8/143/1, Michael Thomas – 10/101/1, and Tyler Lockett – 8/120/1). CB James Bradberry will give up plenty of yards with only one TD allowed. The Saints will move Thomas around in formation, and he will get open while catching almost everything thrown his way. His only negative in Week 17 is hand issue that limited his practice time this week. Exceptional floor with an explosive ceiling if the Saints need to throw.
Julio Jones, ATL (DK – $8,500/FD – $8,500)
Over the last two games, Jones played at a high-level (13/134/2 and 10/166), pushing him to fourth in WR scoring (259.70 Fantasy points). He gained over 100 yards in six games in 2019 with six TDs. With Calvin Ridley injured, Matt Ryan looked his way 35 times over the previous two games. In Week 12, Jones caught five passes for 68 yards against the Bucs. Tampa allows the most Fantasy points to WRs (44.02 FPPG – 220/2954/21 on 355 targets). Nine WRs gained over 100 yards receiving against the Bucs (Sterling Shepard – 7/100/1, Robert Woods – 13/164, Cooper Kupp – 9/121/1, Michael Thomas – 11/182/2, Tyler Lockett – 13/152/2, D.K. Metcalf – 6/123/1, Christian Kirk – 6/138/3, Michael Thomas – 8/114/1, Marcus Johnson – 3/105/1, and Danny Amendola – 8/102). CB Carlton Davis continues to improve, leading to WRs catching only half of their chances while allowing too many TDs. Makes sense, but Tampa will rush the QB while the Falcons can have risk pass protection.
Davante Adams, GB (DK – $8,000/FD – $8,400)
The rhythm between Aaron Rodgers and Adams picked up over the last two games (7/103/1 and 13/116) while receiving 29 combined targets. Over his previous eight games, he has 61 catches for 706 yards and four TDs on 93 targets (11.6 per game). His recent pace puts Adams on a higher path than 2018 (111/1386/13) except for TDs. He needs 96 yards to reach 1,000 for the second time in his career. The Lions rank 29th in WR defense (40.30 FPPG – 206/2830/18 on 336 targets) with seven WRs (Larry Fitzgerald – 8/113/1, Stefon Diggs – 7/142, Michael Gallop – 9/148, Randall Cobb – 4/115/1, Anthony Miller – 9/140, Chris Godwin – 5/121, and Breshad Perriman – 5/113/3) gaining over 100 yards receiving. CB Darius Slay should cover Adams on most plays, which will control his explosiveness. Green Bay has no choice but to throw Adams the ball, and he does have upside in scoring.
Tyreek Hill, KC (DK – $7,700/FD – $8,200)
With KC playing better defense and not being forced to throw, Hill only has 28 targets over his previous four games. His only game came in Week 10 (11/157/1) while three other contests of value (5/80/2, 6/140/1, and 5/67/2). Hill has 52 catches for 783 yards and seven TDs on 82 targets over his previous nine full games. The Chargers remain third in WR defense (28.05 FPPG – 167/1951/10 on 232 targets) despite struggling to defend WRs in Week 15 (14/203/1). One WR (Kenny Golladay – 8/117/1) gained over 100 yards vs. LA. CB Michael Davis will allow a high catch rate with minimal damage in TDs, but he’ll have a tough time covering Hill in this matchup. Possible impact game if the Chargers put up a fight on the scoreboard.
Julian Edelman, NE (DK – $7,300/FD – $7,500)
Edelman continues to battle multiple minor injuries, leading to a couple of quiet games (2/9 and 5/72). On the year, he has five 20-point Fantasy games (8/110/1, 9/113, 8/78/2, 6/106/1, and 8/95/1) while having a floor of 12.20 Fantasy points over ten of his previous 11 starts. The Patriots have looked his way 146 times (9.7 targets per game) in 2019 with ten contests with double-digit targets. In Week 2, he had four catches for 51 yards on four targets vs. the Dolphins. Miami allows the second-most Fantasy points to WRs (41.10 FPPG – 189/2735/27 on 317 targets). They’ve allowed two TDs or more to WRs in six straight games with four of their previous five opponents gaining over 200 yards. Nine WRs gained over 100 yards against Miami (Marquise Brown – 4/147/2, Terry McLaurin – 4/100/2, Juju Smith-Schuster – 5/103/1, John Brown – 9/137/2, Jarvis Landry – 10/148/2, Alshon Jeffery – 9/137/1, Robby Anderson – 7/116/1, Sterling Shepard – 9/111, and Tyler Boyd – 9/128/2). Edelman has a winnable matchup, and Tom Brady should look his way earlier in the game.
Allen Robinson, CHI (DK – $7,200/FD – $7,800)
The Bears looked Robinson’s way 12 times last week, but he only caught six balls for 53 yards while missing on a long TD after an overthrown ball by Mitchell Trubisky. Robinson played well over his previous five games (32/443/4 on 56 targets) while adding three other contests of value (7/102, 7/97/2, and 10/87/1) earlier in the season. The Vikings held him to seven catches for 77 yards in Week 4. Minnesota slipped to 27th in WR defense (38.97 FPPG – 215/2564/18 on 321 targets). Seven WRs gained over 100 yards vs. the Vikings (Davante Adams – 7/106, Danny Amendola – 8/105, Tyreek Hill – 6/140/1, Amari Cooper – 11/147/1, Randall Cobb – 6/106/1, Courtland Sutton – 5/113, and Davante Adams – 13/116). Minnesota will rest their starters, which helps the chances of Robinson in this matchup.
Devante Parker, MIA (DK – $7,100/FD – $6,900)
The Bengals held Parker to five catches last week for 111 yards with a TD in Week 16, but the damage could have much higher if he caught more of his 15 targets. Over his previous six games, Parker caught 31 passes for 596 yards and five TDs on 55 targets, pushing him to 13th in WR scoring (14.97 FPPG). He’s already set career highs in catches (64), receiving yards (1065), TDs (9), and targets (117). In Week 2, the Patriots held him to no catches on seven targets. New England continues to have the best WR defense (24.42 FPPG – 149/1761/3 on 286 targets), with one WR gaining over 100 yards (Golden Tate – 6/102/1). A date with Stephon Gilmore points to a huge step back in production. Easy avoid when adding in his higher salary.
A.J. Brown, TEN (DK – $7,000/FD – $7,200)
Brown struggled to get open last week, which led to one catch for 34 yards on two targets. He did save his day with a 49-yard TD. Over his last five games, he scored 114.3 Fantasy points in DraftKings scoring (22.86 FPPG) highlighted by three great games (4/135/1, 5/153/2, and 8/114/1). His other contest of value came in Week 4 (3/94/2). Over 15 games, Brown has 48 catches for 927 yards and seven TDs on 76 targets. He beat the Texans for eight catches for 114 yards and one TD in Week 15. Houston is 21st in WR defense (34.93 FPPG – 183/2467/17 on 309 targets) with seven players (Michael Thomas – 10/123, Ted Ginn – 7/101, Keenan Allen – 13/183/2, Zach Pascal – 6/106/2, Julian Edelman – 6/106/1, A.J. Brown – 8/114/1, and Breshad Perriman – 7/102) gaining over 100 yards receiving. The Texans will rest their starters in Week 17, but Tennessee may not need to throw to win this matchup. Coin flip with upside.
Robert Woods, LAR (DK – $7,000/FD – $7,700)
After a short game in Week 15 (4/17), Woods continued his second-half push last week (8/117). Over his previous six games, he caught 45 passes for 596 yards and one TD on 67 targets. Woods moved to 21st in WR scoring (14.15 FPPG) while delivering only one game (13/164) of value over the first eight weeks. His best game of the year came in Week 13 (13/172) vs. the Cardinals. Wood needs four catches for 154 yards to set career highs in both areas. Arizona inched up to 23rd in WR defense (37.17 FPPG – 211/2618/15 on 305 targets). Seven WRs have over 100 yards receiving vs. Arizona (Danny Amendola – 7/104/1, Tyler Boyd – 10/123/1, Julio Jones – 8/108, Michael Thomas – 11/112/1, Emmanuel Sanders – 7/112/1, Deebo Samuel – 8/134, and Robert Woods – 13/172). CB Patrick Peterson played better over the previous two games, but his overall stats remains below his expected value.
Cooper Kupp, LAR (DK – $6,800/FD – $7,400)
There has to be an underlying issue with Kupp after seeing a drop off in snaps in two of his previous three contests (29 and 61 percent). He did extend his scoring streak to four games, but Kupp only has 29 catches for 270 yards and four TDs on 37 targets over his past seven games. His play was much better over the first half of the year (58/792/5 on 87 targets) highlighted by five great games (5/120, 11/101/2, 9/121/1, 9/117/1, and 7/220/1). Kupp averaged 10.9 targets over his hot start compared to 5.3 in his last seven games. CB Byron Murphy will give up TDs, but Kupp looks way overpriced for his recent opportunity.
Tyler Boyd, CIN (DK – $6,700/FD – $6,600)
Miami didn’t have an answer for Boyd in the fourth quarter last week, which led to his best game (9/128/2) of the year. Over his last 12 games, he gained fewer than 70 yards in nine games with two other disaster games (3/10 and 1/0). Boyd is a much better player at home (123.8 Fantasy points – seven games) than on the road (102.2 Fantasy points – eight games) in DraftKings scoring. His previous top three games (10/122, 10/123/1, and 5/101/1) all came in Cincinnati. In Week 14, the Browns held him to five catches for 75 yards on seven targets. Cleveland climbed to 9th in WR defense (30.54 FPPG – 171/2161/11 on 279 targets) after holding the Ravens’ WRs to four catches for 37 yards. Four WRs have over 100 yards receiving against the Browns (A.J. Brown – 3/100, Brandin Cooks – 8/112, Cooper Kupp – 11/102/2, and James Washington – 4/111/1) plus Julian Edelman (8/78/2) had success. CB T.J. Carrie has weakness in coverage, but Boyd now has a much higher salary. I can’t see chasing last week’s points here.
Breshad Perriman, TB (DK – $6,700/FD – $7,600)
Fantasy owners have no complaints about the value of Perriman as injury replacement since moving into the starting lineup after a couple of injuries at WR in Tampa. He has over 100 yards receiving in back-to-back games (5/113/3 and 7/102) while picking up 20 catches for 372 yards and four TDs on 29 targets over his last four starts. In Week 16, his higher stats were driven by a career-high in targets (12). On the year, the Bucs’ WRs have 215 catches for 3,402 yards with 25 TDs on 354 targets leading to two high ranking WRs (Chris Godwin – 86/1333/9 and Mike Evans – 67/1157/8). The Falcons pushed their way to 17th in WR defense (34.63 FPPG – 183/2489/16 on 265 targets) after holding WRs to no TDs in six of their previous ten games. Six WRs (Nelson Agholor – 8/107/1, Will Fuller – 14/217/3, Tyler Lockett – 6/100, Michael Thomas – 13/152, and Chris Godwin – 7/184/2) have over 100 yards receiving vs. Atlanta. The Falcons doesn’t have any elite CBs, plus Perriman can overcome tight coverage by volume of chances. Playing well, but his salary requires 27-plus Fantasy points. Bet on the system here.
Amari Cooper, DAL (DK – $6,500/FD – $7,500)
When the 2019 football season is over, Cooper will rank in the top 15 in WR scoring with over 80 catches for over 1,100 yards and possibly ten TDs. As great as it may look, he is almost a must avoid on draft day due to his disaster games. Each year, he tends to disappear in the most significant moments of the year while teasing his explosive upside earlier in the year. Over his first nine games, Cooper picked up 53 catches for 848 yards and seven TDs on 71 targets. His light shined the brightest in four home games (6/106/1, 6/88/2, 11/226/1, and 11/147/1). He only had one poor showing (1/3) to start the season, which came after an early exit vs. the Jets in New York. His downturn started in Week 11 (3/8 on eight targets) followed up by a no catch performance in New England on two targets. Cooper showed a spark for the Cowboys in Chicago (6/83/1) in Week 14, but he limped home over his previous two games (1/19 and 4/24). On Sunday vs. the Eagles, Dak Prescott looked his way 12 times. In Week 2, Cooper had four catches for 44 yards and one TDs vs. the Redskins. Washington is about league average vs. WRs (33.84 FPPG – 15th – 175/2124/18 on 253 targets) with a poor showing defending WRs in Week 16 (18/227/2). Three WRs (DeSean Jackson – 8/154/2, Julian Edelman – 8/110/1, and Stefon Diggs – 7/143) gained over 100 yards receiving against the Redskins. Washington has injuries in their secondary, pointing to a big game by Cooper. Frustrating ride, but he can be a stud at home.
Courtland Sutton, DEN (DK – $6,400/FD – $7,100)
CB Darius Slay didn’t shadow Sutton last week, but the Lions still held him to a short game (5/41 on ten targets). Over four starts with Drew Lock behind center, he has 18 catches for 228 yards and two TDs on 32 targets with most of the damage coming in Week 13 (4/74/2). Sutton scored five of his six TDs at home, but he has a lot more success in yards per catch on the road (18.4) than at home (12.8). His only other playable game in the daily contests came in Week 4 (6/62/2). After 15 weeks, Sutton has 68 catches for 1,060 yards and six TDs on 117 targets. He beat the Raiders in Week 1 for seven catches for 120 yards. Oakland ranks 22nd in WR defense (35.27 FPPG – 164/2550/17 on 264 targets) with seven WRs gaining over 100 yards receiving (Courtland Sutton – 7/120, Demarcus Robinson – 6/172/2, Marquez Valdes-Scantling – 2/133/1, DeAndre Hopkins – 11/109), Kenny Golladay – 4/132/1, Marvin Jones – 8/126/1, and A.J. Brown – 5/153/2). CB Trayvon Mullin isn’t a stud in coverage, but he continues to improve after being drafted in the second round in 2019. I expect Sutton to play well in his final game in 2019.
Kenny Golladay, DET (DK – $6,300/FD – $7,400)
Since the injury to Matthew Stafford, Golladay has 27 catches for 478 yards and four TDs on 50 targets over seven games with his best showing coming in Week 13 (4/158/1). He’s scored a TD in three of his previous four contests to help his playable value in the season-long contests. Golladay plays well at home (8/117/1, 5/67/2, 6/123/2, and 4/158/1). His best value comes in TDs (11) and big plays (18.0 yards per catch). In Week 6, he caught five passes for 121 yards on nine targets vs. the Packers. Green Bay ranks 8th in WR defense (30.40 FPPG – 150/2387/12 on 267 targets) with eight WRs gaining over 100 yards (Allen Robinson – 7/102, Amari Cooper – 11/226/1, Michael Gallop – 7/113/1, Kenny Golladay – 5/121, Mike Williams – 3/111, D.J. Moore – 9/120, Allen Robinson – 7/125, and Anthony Miller – 9/118/1). CB Jaire Alexander can give up some big plays and TDs, but overall he’s played well in 2019. Golladay is more of a gamble in Week 17 based on the drop-down in QB for the Lions.
Sterling Shepard, NYG (DK – $6,200/FD – $6,200)
Shepard played well in his last two games (9/111 and 6/76/1), which was also the case fo the Giants’ offense (11 TDs and 77 points). New York did play two weaker opponents (Miami and Washington) over this span. Since returning from his concussion issue, Shepard has 27 catches for 270 yards and two TDs on 39 targets in five games while receiving starting snaps. His best game came in Week 2 (7/100/1) vs. the Bucs while being productive over his first four games (25/267/1 on 34 targets). Over nine games of action, Shepard has 52 catches for 537 yards and three TDs on 73 targets. The Eagles held him to four catches for 28 yards on seven targets in Week 14. Philly sits 28th in WR defense (39.42 FPPG – 179/2627/20 on 306 targets) with ten WRs gaining over 100 yards receiving (Terry McLaurin – 5/125/1, Julio Jones – 5/106/2, Calvin Ridley – 8/105/1, Marvin Jones – 6/101/1, Davante Adams – 10/180, Stefon Diggs – 7/167/3, Amari Cooper – 5/106, DeVante Parker – 7/159/2, Darius Slayton – 5/154/2, and Terry McLaurin – 5/130/1). The Eagles lost CB Ronald Darby last week, which favors Shepard in this matchup. On the improve, but his higher salary does require over 100 yards receiving with a TD. I’ll bet on the under here.
Keenan Allen, LAR (DK – $6,100/FD – $6,700)
Allen posted another flat game in Week 16 (5/71 on ten targets). Over his previous six games, he has 41 catches for 460 yards and two TDs on 55 targets with one game with over 20.0 Fantasy points (8/71/1 vs. the Chiefs). Allen has fewer than 100 yards receiving in 12 straight games with only two TDs over this stretch. His best value come over the first three games (29/404/3) highlighted by an impact game in Week 3 (13/183/2). Allen needs five catches to reach 100 for the second time in his career and eight catches to set a career-high. He has over 1,100 yards receiving in each of his last three seasons. Kansas City is 2nd in the NFL defending WRs (25.74 – 143/1836/10 on 253 targets) after holding WRs to fewer than 160 yards receiving in 13 of the previous 14 games. Only one WR (D.J. Chark – 4/146/1) has over 100 yards receiving vs. the Chiefs). CB Kendall Fuller regressed this season after playing well in 2017 and 2018 while missing some games. He’ll allow a high catch rate with minimal damage in TDs. Allen is a volume type WR who has a below-par matchup in Week 17.
T.Y. Hilton, IND (DK – $6,000/FD – $6,500)
In his two games back in action after missing two games, Hilton posted two short games (4/25 and 3/26) while being on the field for 52 and 59 percent of the WR plays. His season started with success in his first three games (8/87/2, 4/43/1, and 8/65/1). Over the next ten games, he missed six weeks with one other contest of value (6/67/1). The Jaguars rank 12th in WR defense (31.69 FPPG – 171/2409/10 on 279 targets with five WRs gaining over 100 yards (Sammy Watkins – 9/198/3, Emmanuel Sanders – 5/104, Alex Erickson – 8/137, A.J. Brown – 4/135/1, and Julio Jones – 10/166). CB A.J. Bouye played at a high level in 2016, 2017, and 2018, but he’s regressed this season. Hilton isn’t playing well, and the Colts don’t have anything to play for, which means they won’t push him hard in this matchup. I’d look elsewhere for upside.
D.J. Chark, JAC (DK – $5,800/FD – $5,900)
After missing Week 14 with an ankle issue, Chark ended up returned to action last week. The Jaguars had him on the field for 87 percent of their plays, but he caught two of his seven targets for 18 yards. Chark needs 26 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. He struggled in three of his last five games (4/32, 5/38, and 2/47) before last week. Chark enters Week 17 at the 17th highest scoring WR (14.61) with three impact games (4/146/1, 8/164/2, and 8/104/2). His value is driven by TDs (8) and big plays (17 catches over 20 yards). In Week 11, he beat the Colts for eight catches for 104 yards and two TDs. Indy ranks 18th in WR defense (34.70 FPPG – 180/2427/16 on 267 targets) with seven opponents gaining over 200 yards from the WR position. His ankle isn’t 100 percent, but his matchup is favorable. Worth a swing or two if his price fits your plan.
Anthony Miller, CHI (DK – $5,800/FD – $6,700)
After a great five-game run (33/431/2 on 52 targets) highlighted by two games (9/140 and 9/118/1), Miller stumbled at the finished line in Week 16 (one catch for two yards on two targets). His success over the second half of the year points to upside in 2020. In Week 4 as the third WR for the Bears, he caught two passes for 11 yards vs. the Vikings. Minnesota will rest their starters in Week 17. Tough call as there may not be a big fight on the scoreboard leading to minimal upside in the passing game for Chicago. Only a dart while his downside may outweigh his opportunity in this game.
Odell Beckham, CLE (DK – $5,700/FD – $6,600)
Beckham scored his third TD of the year last week, but he still finished with a boring game (4/44/1). Heading into Week 17, he ranks 27th in WR scoring (12.46 FPPG) while needing 46 yards to reach 1,000 for the year. His only other game of value came in Week 2 (6/161/1). Beckham gained 60 yards or fewer in nine of his previous 15 contests while averaging 8.5 targets per game on the season. The Bengals held him to two catches for 39 yards on five targets in Week 14. Cinci slipped to 13th in WR defense (31.69 FPPG – 157/2381/11 on 260 targets) with four receivers to gaining over 100 yards (Dede Westbrook (6/103), Cooper Kupp (7/220/1), Robby Anderson (7/101, and Devante Parker – 5/111/1). Beckham comes into Week 17 with a groin issue. A great player who underachieved in 2019, which wasn’t helped by regression by Baker Mayfield.
Juju Smith-Schuster, PIT (DK – $5,500/FD – $5,900)
In his first game back on the field after missing four games, Smith-Schuster caught two of his four targets for 22 yards while seeing 79 percent of the WR snaps for the Steelers. Over his first ten games, he caught only 38 passes for 524 yards and three TDs on 60 targets while battling toe and knee issues. His best two games came in Week 5 (7/75/1) and Week 8 (5/103/1). At this point in the season, Smith-Schuster is a shell of himself while having a considerable downgrade at QB. The Ravens don’t need to win this game, and they will rest most of their starters after clinching the number one seed in the AFC. Not ready to be a Fantasy factor in any format.
Michael Gallop, DAL (DK – $5,400/FD – $6,500)
Gallop was one of the few Cowboys to show up in Week 16 (5/98), but he extended his scoreless streak to six games. He gained over 100 yards in four (7/158, 7/113/1, 9/148, and 6/109) of his 12 games. Gallop averages 8.1 targets per game while reaching the 1,000-yard mark (61/1009/3) after last week’s game despite missing two contests in 2019. In Week 2, he caught six passes for 68 yards against the Redskins. CB Danny Johnson started the last two games for Washington due to some injuries at cornerback. I expect the Cowboys to play well offensively in this game, which keeps all options in play.
Robby Anderson, NYJ (DK – $5,300/FD – $5,800)
Coming into Week 17, Anderson has a calf issue, but he expects to play on Sunday. He scored a TD in four of his past six games while adding productive stats over the previous five contests (24/402/3 on 36 targets). His best two games came in Week 6 (5/125/1) and Week 14 (7/117/1). In Week 1, the Bills held him to three catches for 23 yards. Buffalo ranks well in WR defense (28.87 FPPG – 4th), but they won’t play their best players in this game. Playing much better while receiving only 5.9 targets per game. I expect low passing attempts, which points to a weaker game than needing to fill his salary bucket.
Jamison Crowder, NYJ (DK – $5,100/FD – $5,600)
In Week 15, most Fantasy owners rushed to bench Crowder unless they didn’t have another option. He ended up having his best game (6/90/2) of the year, which came after three empty performances (2/18, 2/8, and 3/29). In Week 16, he caught four of his eight targets for 60 yards. Crowder played well from Week 9 to Week 11 (8/83/1, 5/81/1, and 5/76/1) while also shining in Week 1 (14/99 vs. the bills). On the year, he averages 7.5 targets per game. Only a steady option.
Golden Tate, DET (DK – $5,100/FD – $5,900)
Last week Darius Slayton saw limited snaps due to a knee issue, which helped the chances for Tate. He finished six catches for 96 yards on 11 targets. Over his past nine games, Tate has 41 catches for 595 yards and five TDs on 71 targets with two weeks of value (6/102/1 and 4/95/2). The Eagles held him to one catch for 11 yards on five targets in Week 14. CB Avonte Maddox is a steady option in coverage with minimal damage in TDs allowed. A possible active game, but he needs a battle on the scoreboard to pay off.
Mike Williams, LAC (DK – $5,000/FD – $6,300)
Over the last seven games, Williams showed more value in yards in two contests (3/111 and 5/117) while adding two other productive weeks (2/63/1 and 4/71/1). He gained over 70 yards in six of his previous 11 games, but he caught four balls or fewer in eight of his last nine games. Williams needs 37 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the year while ranking 40th in WR scoring (10.37 FPPG). In Week 11, he caught two passes for 76 yards on five targets against the Chiefs. CB Charvarius Ward holds WRs to a low catch rate with one TD allowed in 2019. Williams is a fade for me in Week 17.
Justin Watson, TB (DK – $4,900/FD – $6,100)
In the first start of his career due to an injury to Chris Godwin, Watson caught five passes for 43 yards and a TD on ten targets. Over his last three games, he has 12 catches for 119 yards and two TDs on two targets. Over his final three seasons at Penn, Watson caught 244 passes for 3,280 yards and 31 TDs with some value as a runner (44/339). His size (6’3” and 215 lbs.) helps his scoring ability in the red zone. CB Kendall Sheffield tries to keep WRs in front of him while making only one mistake in scoring in 2019. Viable flier/filler if he fits your team structure.
Diontae Johnson, PIT (DK – $4,800/FD – $6,000)
Johnson played well in two of his previous three games (6/60/2 and 8/81/1) while also adding two other games of value in Week 4 (6/77/1) and Week 8 (5/84/1). The Steelers worked him into a better opportunity over the past three contests (19/203/2 on 24 targets). The Ravens held him to five catches for 27 yards on eight targets in Week 5. Playing well and getting open, which ranks him as top two WR for the Steelers in Week 17.
Steve Sims, WAS (DK – $4,700/FD – $6,000)
The Redskins have turned to Sims as their WR2 over the last two weeks, which led to two productive games (5/45/1 and 6/64/2) while receiving 21 combined chances. With Terry McLaurin out this week, Sims should see plenty of targets. This difference is that he’ll now draw tougher coverage. Dallas still ranks fifth in WR defense (29.96 FPPG – 162/2029/11 on 266 targets), which makes him more of an against the grain plays despite a reasonable salary.
Greg Ward, PHI (DK – $4,700/FD – $5,600)
Over the last two games with starting snaps, Ward caught 11 of his 14 passes for 132 yards and one TD. He has 22 catches for 211 yards and one TD on 33 targets in 2019 with one catch over 20 yards. The Giants fell to 30th in WR defense (40.66 FPPG – 202/2834/22 on 299 targets) with eight WRs (Michael Gallop – 7/158, Amari Cooper – 6/106/1, Mike Evans – 8/190/3, Adam Thielen – 7/130/2, Julian Edelman – 9/113, Kenny Golladay – 6/123/2, Allen Robinson – 6/131/1, and Allen Lazard – 3/103/1). The Giants have injuries and weakness at CB, but Ward is far from a top option in the receiving game. Possible trap.
Christian Kirk, ARI (DK – $4,700/FD – $5,700)
Kirk didn’t have a catch last week on five targets. Kirk lost momentum over his previous four games (6/41, 3/23, 8/85, and 4/33) before Week 16 after shining in Week 10 (6/138/3). He has three other viable games (6/114, 10/59, and 8/79) while averaging 8.4 targets per game. Kirk gains only 10.6 yards per catch. The Rams rank 14th in WR defense (32.83 FPPG – 188/2274/12 on 300 targets). With Kyler Murray questionable to play on Sunday, Kirk looks to weaker option while expecting to face CB Jalen Ramsey in coverage.
Tyrell Williams, OAK (DK – $4,600/FD – $5,700)
Williams has four catches or fewer in 11 straight games with fewer than 50 yards receiving in nine of his previous 12 contests. His season started with a TD in five straight games with two games of value (6/105/1 and 3/91/1). On the year, Williams averages only five targets per game. The Broncos ranks 7th in WR defense (30.11 FPPG – 158/2046/13 on 255 targets). Even with success in his first matchup (6/105/1) vs. Denver, Williams remains a weak option in most Fantasy formats, plus he landed on the injury report on Thursday with a foot injury.
John Ross, CIN (DK – $4,500/FD – $5,200)
Ross played better last week (6/84), which was helped by a season-high 13 targets. His season started with two exceptional games (7/158/2 and 4/112/1), but a foot injury cost him eight weeks of action. CB Greedy Williams plays well in coverage with only one TD allowed. Homerun type player with a chance at TD.
Chris Conley, JAC (DK – $4,500/FD – $5,800)
Conley picked up three TDs in his last two games with six catches for 105 yards on 13 targets. His top two games came in Week 1 (6/97/1) and Week 8 (4/103/1). Conley has four catches or fewer in 13 of his 15 games while averaging 5.6 targets per game with weakness in his catch rate (52.4). In Week 11, Conley had six catches for 58 yards vs. the Colts. He only makes sense in a Jaguars’ stack.
Hunter Renfroe, OAK (DK – $4,500/FD – $6,000)
After missing three games, Renfroe made an impact vs. the Chargers (7/107/1) thanks to an early 56-yard TD. His opportunity with the Raiders picked over his six contests (29/388/3 on 36 targets) with two other decent games (4/88/1 and 6/54/1). Possession type player with some scoring upside, but his matchup is unfavorable.
