Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins, HOU (DK – $7,800/FD – $8,900)
After a big game in Week 1 (8/111/2), the Jaguars held Hopkins in check last week (5/40 on eight targets). Game score led to minimal TDs and a higher volume of runs (30/126/1) by the Texans. The Chargers held WRs to 27 catches for 315 yards and three TDs on 34 targets after two games with each WR1 of the opposing team having a big game (T.Y. Hilton – 8/87/2 and Kenny Golladay – 8/117/1). Deshaun Watson is a much better QB than LA has faced this year, and he will test a defense deep. The Chargers will do their best to match up CB Casey Heyward on Hopkins, but the Texans will move him around on the field. Very tempting based on the success of Hilton and Golladay, but I sense a big day from Will Fuller.
Davante Adams, GB (DK – $7,600/FD – $8,200)
Adams bounced back in Week 2 (7/106 on nine targets) after the Beas held him to four catches for 36 yards on opening day. He’s still looking for his first TD while trailing in the target department (8.5 per game). Denver smothered the Bears’ WRs in Week 2 (6/54 on ten targets) with a good showing vs. the Raiders (12/141/1 on 15 targets). Tyrell Williams did all the damage for Oakland (6/105/1). The Broncos top CB Chris Harris tends to work mostly out of the slot allowing Adams to face CB Isaac Yiadom on most plays. After two games, WRs have ten catches for 135 yards vs. Yiadom. Look for Adams to score his first TDs while turning in a high-volume catch day with over 100 yards receiving.
Amari Cooper, DAL (DK – $7,500/FD – $7,700)
The Dolphins allowed teams to score 12 TDs on their 23 possession this year with a pair of field goals. Their pass defense surrendered eight TDs and 643 yards in two games with offenses not needing to test their secondary by WRs (21/368/5 on 30 targets). If Miami could score in this game, Cooper would be in line for a monster day. Unfortunately, game score points to plenty of runs. Dallas has an improved passing game (674/7), which keeps Cooper alive in a blowout game. The Cowboys lost Michael Gallop for a couple of games, which shifts more chances in the passing game back to the WR1 position. Cooper has ten catches for 150 yards and two TDs on 14 targets on the year. Xavier Howard picked up a $76.5 million contract last May for five seasons showing his value as a cornerback. Even with the massive damage done to the Dolphins’ secondary, Howard has only allowed two completions for 20 yards on eight targets. Dallas will text him in single coverage while also taking advantage for their weaker CBs. Projected high, but his ceiling will be limited if the Cowboys jump out to a big lead.
Michael Thomas, NO (DK – $7,400/FD – $8,000)
The passing sky isn’t falling in New Orleans. It just has another wizard waving the wand. Thomas has ten catches and 13 targets in both of his first two starts with 212 combined yards. Without a TD this year, his success leaves him behind the top options at WR out of the gate. The Bengals torched the Seahawks’ secondary with their WRs (22/276/2 on 32 targets) with John Ross (7/158/2) doing most of the damage. It will be pretty easy for the Saints to avoid Thomas vs. Seattle’s top CB (Shaquill Griffin) as he lines up one side of the field for almost all of his plays. CB Tre Flower does have risk if a WR gets behind him in coverage. Teddy Bridgewater will be tough to trust in his first start in years while looking inaccurate against the Rams. I’d expect him to play well, but Thomas will be overlooked in Week 3 due to the downgrade at QB. Think contrarian here.
Julio Jones, ATL DK – $7,300/FD – $8,300)
With the juice being sucked out of Michael Thomas, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Tyreek Hill due to injuries, Jones is looking more and more like the top WR to own in 2019 behind DeAndre Hopkins. His start in TDs (3) points to a career year in scoring. After two games, Jones has 11 catches for 137 yards on 21 targets. The Colts allowed 24 catches for 266 yards and one TD on 32 targets to WRs with Keenan Allen posting a plus game in Week 1 (8/123/1). Last week the Titans failed to make an impact with their WRs (11/97). Indy stated rookie CB Rock Ya-Sin in the first two games after getting drafted in the second round in 2019. So far, WRs have four catches for 66 yards and a TD on five targets against him. Look for Atlanta to exploit the Colts’ weakness at CB with Jones regaining his active ways. I’m upgrading his projections as I write this. Should be a fun ride.
Antonio Brown, NE (DK – $7,100/FD – $7,700)
Early in the game, the Brady to Brown connection looked sharp leading to three catches for 36 yards and a TD on three targets on their first possession. For that point on, he only gained 20 yards while catching one of five targets. New England only had him on the field for one-third of the plays in a blowout game. The Jets struggled with WRs in their first two contests (25/424/2 on 45 targets). New York lacks talent at CB, which invites another TD for Brown. His opportunity/targets may not be elite for another game, and the Jets most likely won’t compete on the scoreboard. An explosive player who just need more chances.
Keenan Allen, LAC (DK – $7,000/FD – $7,800)
Allen started the year with 16 catches for 211 yards and one TD on 25 targets. The Chargers only have two WRs of value and pass-catching options at RB, which gives Allen a considerable opportunity in 2019. His best play tends to come at home. Houston struggled with WRs in Week 1 (19/250/1 on 22 targets) while doing much better last week vs. the Jaguars (12/131/1). CB Bradley Roby struggled last year after playing well earlier in his career against Denver. Allen has plenty of experience against him. If this game gets to be wide open (good chance), I expect Allen to receive well over ten targets with a TD. Last he caught nine of his 12 targets for 89 yards and a TD vs. Denver (Roby’s team in 2018).
Chris Godwin, TB (DK – $6,900/FD – $7,600)
In early September, Godwin was drafted as a top 12 WR in some leagues. He’s lived up to his billing after the first two games (11/174/2 on 15 targets) highlighted by his contest vs. the Panthers (8/121/1) Even with his success, Godwin averaged only 7.5 targets per game. The Giants struggled in back-to-back game defending WRs (18/341/2 and 14/209/1). New York doesn’t have an elite CB at this point of the season, but 2019 first-round draft pick DeAndre Baker should develop into an asset in coverage. The Giants still have to focus on Mike Evans giving Godwin single coverage on many plays. The Bucs will throw the ball better in this game. Shining brightly, but his salary doesn’t match his opportunity at this point of the year plus he’ll draw plenty of attention in the preseason.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT (DK – $6,900/FD – $7,500)
After giving Fantasy owners a scare with his toe issue late in Week 1, Smith-Schuster was on the field for 82 percent of the Steelers against Seattle. Last year he had more playing time in 11 of 16 games. So far this season, Smith-Schuster has 11 catches for 162 yards on 16 targets. The 49ers kept the Bucs’ WRs in check in Week 1 (7/91/1), but they struggled to defend Cinci’s WRs (17/260/1). Smith-Schuster will draw CB K’Waun Williams in coverage, which is a mismatch in favor of the Steelers. Pittsburgh will look his way plenty of times even with a backup QB. The drop-down at QB will make him a low percentage own, and a good island to spend your Sunday Fantasy budget in the daily games.
Sammy Watkins, KC (DK – $6,900/FD – $7,100)
Based on opportunity, Watkins should be considered a top ten WR until Tyreek Hill returns to the starting lineup. Last week the Chiefs used their secondary WRs and TE to beat the Raiders, but Watkins still had 13 targets leading six catches for 49 yards. He dominated in Week 1 (9/1998/3 on 11 targets) vs. a team that was expected to be a top pass defense. The Ravens played a weak opponent in Week 1(Miami) that has poor QB plays and subpar WRs (10/131/1). They tried to attack rookie QB Kyle Murray last week, but he aggressively attacked with his WRs (20/307 on 31 targets). Baltimore has one elite CB (Marlon Humphries), but Kansas City will move their WRs around to get favorable matchups. Not the best matchup, but Patrick Mahomes will have no problem finding open WRs in this matchup.
Adam Thielen, MIN (DK – $6,700/FD – $7,000)
For the Vikings to make the playoffs, they need to get their passing game rolling. The success of Dalvin Cook should open up the passing offense at some point. Thielen has eight catches for 118 yards and one TDs on 11 targets in two games, which was almost the normal stat line for him each week for the first 11 games in 2018. His season started last year with eight straight games with over 100 yards receiving while scoring a TD in nine of his first 12 games. The Raiders struggled with WRs in each of their first two games (14/211/1 and 17/288/3) while facing less talented WRs than Minnesota. Very winnable matchup leading to eight catches for 100-plus yards with at least one TD. Great start to a daily team in Week 3.
Kenny Golladay, DET (DK – $6,600/FD – $7,000)
Golladay was my go-to WR in the fourth round in 2019 in 12-team leagues. He’s delivered WR2 stats after two weeks after his highlight game (8/117/1 on ten targets) against the Chargers. He’s averaging 9.5 targets per game. The Eagles continue to give up big plays to WRs (32/452/5 on 51 targets) with QBs toasting their secondary for 700 yards and six TDs. CB Sidney Jones hasn’t been the problem (four catches for 39 yards) while seeing rotational snaps. Golladay is a WR on the rise, and he’ll be active in the passing game. Pushing toward a WR1 with plenty of scoring ability. For those betting on 2019 stats, he’s in play at this level.
Mike Evans, TB (DK – $6,600/FD – $7,100)
There hasn’t been much to get excited about Evans over the first two games (2/28 and 4/61). Jameis Winston has only looked his way 13 times, and his catch rate (46.2) reverted to the direction set early in his career after posting a career-high in this area (62.3 percent) in 2018. In his defense, Evans was under the weather in Week 1 while playing in a short week against the Panthers. His matchup against CB Janoris Jenkins is favorable. I expect a correction game with a chance at multiple TDs.
Tyler Boyd, CIN (DK – $6,500/FD – $6,600)
Boyd has proved to be a volume WR after two games (18/182 on 22 targets), but he’s still looking for his first TD. Last year Boyd did score in half of his games (seven TDs in 14 games). The Bengals passed for 729 yards and four TDs after two games with their WRs picking up 39 catches for 536 yards and three TDs on 58 targets. Buffalo held QBs to 4.9 yards per pass completion in 2019 with WRs catching 35 catches for 299 yards and one TD on 55 targets. The Bills don’t have a slot cover corner to match his skill set, and they played two weak passing offenses (Jets and Giants to start the year). Jamison Crowder had 14 catches for 99 yards on 17 targets out of the slot in Week 1. Possible 7/70/1 type game, but it may not be enough to fill his salary bucket.
T.Y. Hilton, IND (DK – $6,400/FD – $7,400)
Hilton played well in his first two road starts (12/130/3 on 15 targets), which is a good sign for the success of the Colts’ passing game after the retirement of Andrew Luck. Hilton has explosive upside with his best play coming at home. The Falcons weren’t tested by the Vikings’ top two WRs in Week 1 (6/89/1 in six targets) due to game score. Last week the Eagles lost two of their starting WRs early in the game forcing Carson Wentz to turn to his backup options. Philly’s WRs finished 14 catches for 161 yards and a TD in 23 targets with Nelson Agholor doing more of the damage (8/107/1). Hilton will be able to get away from Atlanta’s top CB Desmond Trufant due to him staying on one side of the field on most plays. Jacoby Brissett will be much better passer at home while trying to hit Hilton deep a couple of times. He Falcons should score creating more overall targets for the Colts’ WRs.
Julian Edelman, NE (DK – $6,300/FD – $6,900)
It will be tough to get excited about Edelman in the daily games until his salary regresses. The addition of Antonio Brown puts him in the WR2 position for the Patriots while needing to play an opponent that will put some points up on the scoreboard. Over the first two games, Edelman has ten catches for 134 yards on 15 targets. Easy fade for now unless you believe New York will 20+ points.
Tyler Lockett, SEA (DK – $6,200/FD – $6,600)
The Seahawks have yet to get Lockett in space leading to only 8.8 yards per catch. Last week he caught ten of his 12 targets for 79 yards, which came after a one-catch game in Week 1 (1/44/1). His floor should be five catches a game with a chance at about 80 yards and a team-high value in receiving TDs. The Saints have huge risk in the deep passing game based on the stats in WRs defense in the first two games (14/216/3 and 10/227/1). Last year CB P.J. Williams gave up 14 yards per catch with seven TDs. His job is to handle the slot, which is where Lockett runs most of his plays in 2019. I have a man-crush on Lockett this year despite owning him on minimal teams in the season-long games. Priced to pay off with a very winnable matchup.
Stefon Diggs, MIN (DK – $6,000/FD – $6,700)
The zip in Diggs has left the building on the Fulltime Fantasy message boards on one question (rest of the season – Diggs or Emanuel Sanders). The Vikings gave him seven targets last week, which led to only one catch for 49 yards and a TD. Game score in Week 1 resulted in only two targets (2/37). CB Gareon Conley played well in 2018 (low completion rate and short yards per catch), but he’s already given up a pair of TDs and 150 yards receiving thanks to the Chiefs’ WRs. Top WR who needs game score to lean toward the passing game. For some reason, Diggs was at his best on the road in 2018 (62/636/4 on 88 targets). Priced in a desirable area with the talent to post an impact game.
Marquise Brown, BAL (DK – $5,900/FD – $6,100)
Based on his play in two games (12/233/2 on 18 targets), Brown pushed his way to WR2 status despite only being on the field for 65 of 152 plays run by the Ravens. Last week the Ravens had him on the field for 65 percent of their plays with more to come with each game played going forward. Brown already has three catches over 40 yards. The Chiefs struggled with WRs in Week 1 (15/273/3) while bouncing back vs. the Raiders’ WRs (10/74/1 on 20 targets). If this game gets to be wide open, Brown is going to hit on some long plays. He can’t beat the receivers around him in his salary with his resume, but he does have the best matchup as far as fight on the scoreboard.
D.J. Moore, CAR (DK – $5,800/FD – $6,500)
Moore has been active in both of his games (7/76 and 9/89) while averaging 12 targets per game. His catch rate (66.7) is strong when considering the poor throws by Cam Newton (56.2 percent completion rate). As of Thursday, it appears Newton won’t play on Sunday with a foot injury. Kyle Allen has low college resume, but he held his own in his two NFL games (266/2). WRs have 25 catches for 304 yards and two TDs on 43 targets against the Cardinals with Detroit having the most success (15/202/2 on 26 targets). Future top WRs, but he needs better all-around QB play to post an impact game.
Tyrell Williams, OAK (DK – $5,600/FD – $6,200)
For the second straight game, Oakland will need to throw to win. This time they will be playing on the road vs. a top defense. Williams came out of last week’s game with a hip issue, but he’s trending toward playing on Sunday. Over his first two starts, Williams has 11 catches for 151 yards and two TDs on 14 targets while receiving seven targets in each game. The Vikings gave up garbage points to the Falcons’ WRs in Week 1 (20/206/2 on 30 targets) while doing a good job defending the Packers’ WRs (15/162/1 on 21 targets). Davante Adams (7/106) and Calvin Ridley (4/64/1) have the best two WR games against Minnesota in 2019. His matchup with CB Xavier Rhodes lacks explosiveness.
John Brown, BUF (DK – $5,500/FD – $5,900)
After two games, Brown has 14 catches for 195 yards and one TD on 18 targets. Fantasy owners now him classed as WR2 in PPR leagues in the season-long games while forgetting that he hasn’t been a top 36 WR since 2015 (65/1003/7). Last year he played well over the first seven games (28/558/4 on 54 targets) only to see his value fall off the chart in his final nine games (14/157/1 on 43 targets), which was tied to a change at QB in Baltimore (Lamar Jackson). WRs have 15 catches for 308 yards and three TDs on 24 targets against the Bengals. Big play WR who has much better connection with Josh Allen. His best chance for success comes vs. CB Dre Kirkpatrick. Ranked above his skill set in stats in 2019, which suggests regression.
Josh Gordon, NE (DK – $5,400/FD – $6,000)
Gordon failed to shake CB Xavier Howard last week leading to a short game (2/19 on five targets). New England didn’t need the game to win last week while making effort to get Antonio Brown some targets. CB Darryl Roberts can’t match Gordon in size while starting the year on a down note (nine catches for 107 yards and a TD allowed). Possible TD while lacking targets to post 20+ Fantasy game.
Calvin Ridley, ATL (DK – $5,300/FD – $6,500)
Last week Ridley looked the WR2 part in the Falcons’ offense, but he still ranks behind Mohamed Sanu in playing time (103 to 121 snaps). He beat the Eagles for eight catches for 105 yards and a TD after edging out Julio Jones in Week 1 (4/64/1). Matt Ryan looked his way eight times a game so far this year. Indy has a ton of risk at CB if Atlanta’s offensive line can block. Generally, I like Ridely better as home play.
Demarcus Robinson, KC (DK – $5,200/FD – $6,700)
The Chiefs gave Robinson one catch for no yards on two targets in Week 1 while working as the WR3 in Kansas City’s offense. The Chiefs pushed him to WR2 status in Week 2 after the injury to Tyreek Hill. His bump in playing time led to a monster game (6/172/2 with six targets). His success will draw more attention from defenses going forward. Robinson did look good in his increased role, but he may only be the fourth option in the Chiefs’ passing game behind Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, and the RB position. Kansas City may sacrifice him by matching him up with CB Marlon Humphrey on many plays, Temper the excitement even with a low salary. I only see a ten-point player while playing for an elite QB.
John Ross, CIN (DK – $5,100/FD – $6,700)
The express ride of Ross is about to run off the tracks in Week 3. The Bills top CB Tre’Davious White played great in 2018, which led to a low completion rate, short yards per catch, and minimal damage in TDs. He likes to keep WRs in front of him. White has been limited midweek due to kneck issue while expecting to play on Sunday. Ross has 11 catches for 270 yards and three TDs on 20 targets after two games. Six of his catches gained over 20 yards. Closer to a zero than an impact game. Cinci will look to get him on the opposite side of the field to create a better winning window.
Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (DK – $5,100/FD – $5,900)
I’m so happy with the start by Fitzgerald (13/217/1). Kyler Murray looked his way 24 times while throwing much more balls (47 per game) than expected. His yards per catch (16.7) is well above his recent seasons while needing to improve on his catch rate (54.2). The Panthers played both games as home while holding WRs to 29 catches for 337 yards and one TD on 52 targets. With Carolina expected to play with a backup QB, the battle on the scoreboard could be shorter than expected. I expect Murray to play well, which will require success in the passing game. More of a neutral option for me.
Mecole Hardman, KC (DK – $5,000/FD – $6,300)
For the second straight game, Hardman worked as the WR3 for the Chiefs while being on the field for about 75 percent of the plays. He finished with four catches for 61 yards and one TD on six targets. Kansas City will pick on slot CB Anthony Averett after he struggled over the first two games (9/123/1). Only a lower-valued hookup if matchup with Patrick Mahomes while having a questionable opportunity.
Marvin Jones, DET (DK – $5,000/FD – $5,400)
Jones has been quiet after two games (9/99), but he did catch nine of his ten targets. The Lions continue to give him WR2 snaps (over 85 percent). CB Ronald Darby was a top CB in 2018, but he’s been exposed so far in this year (10/206/2). A favorable matchup, but the Lions may try to use Kenny Golladay on him on more plays. Solid play in the season-long games with a chance of hitting on a long TD. His targets will be tough to trust.
Christian Kirk, ARI (DK – $5,000/FD – $5,900)
After struggling to catch the ball in Week 1 (4/32 on 12 targets), Kirk dusted the Ravens’ secondary for six catches for 114 yards on eight targets in what was expected to be a tough matchup vs. the Ravens. CB James Bradberry looked improved over the first two games leading to only four catches for 72 yards on 12 targets. Last week he shadowed Mike Evans with success. Bradberry tends to play better against WRs with size. Kirk will try to beat him with execution in route running and his quickness. Possible tough matchup on paper, but I expect him to score with a productive game for his salary level.
Marquise Goodwin, SF (DK – $5,000/FD – $5,400)
Last week Goodwin played well (3/77/1), but he only had three targets, which was the same total as Week 1 (one catch for seven yards). The 49ers had him on the field for 51 percent of their plays as their WR1. They also rotated in four other WRs making this situation extremely cloudy going forward. His future in 2019 projects him as the WR3 in this offense with Deebo Samuel and Dante Pettis being the top two options. Only a gamble with a short opportunity and uncertain playing time.
Sterling Shepard, NYG (DK – $4,900/FD – $6,000)
Shepard was cleared from concussion protocol on Thursday, which puts him on track on Sunday. He missed last week’s game while posting a short game in Week 1 (6/42). The Giants made the switch to Daniel Jones as QB, which seems like a positive move. Tampa has attacked the run game and QBs after the first two games, but they left plenty of WRs open last week. Unfortunately, Cam Newton couldn’t hit Curtis Samuel on multiple plays when he beat his man for big yardage. I’m not confident about the value of Jones when facing a pass rush, but I do respect Shepard. More of a six for sixty guy while needing a TD to be in play.
Will Fuller, HOU (DK – $4,900/FD – $6,000)
The Fulltime Fantasy’s daily game optimizer will push out Fuller’s name this week. His season has been slow over the first two games (6/109 on ten targets) while seeing almost 95 percent of the WR snaps for the Texans. Last week the Chargers used their top CB Casey Heyward as a shadow for Marvin Jones, but it backfired when Kenny Golladay beat them for eight catches for 117 yards and a TD. CB Brandon Facyson looks like a weak link (9/122) in coverage. Fuller needs to his damage on the outside as Desmond King is a top CB out of the slot. I’m betting on a couple of long catches with a TD as Deshaun Watson attacks in the deep passing game.
Mike Williams, LAC (DK – $4,900/FD – $6,100)
Williams went for bad knee injury to possible start by the weekend last week. On Sunday, Los Angeles suggested that he would see part-time snaps in the red zone. Williams ended up being on the field for 61 percent of the WR snaps compared to 64 percent in Week 1. After two games, he has five catches for 112 yards on eight targets. Williams turned in a full practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which is great sign going forward. I don’t respect the Texans’ CBs, and Houston will try to attack Philip Rivers with the pass rush. Williams will see single coverage, and he has high value in TDs. Just think of this game as a battle of WR2s.
Emmanuel Sanders, DEN (DK – $4,800/FD – $5,700)
After two games, Sanders is the third-highest scoring WR (16/184/2 on 20 targets). All and all it’s an impressive start to the year after considering his major Achilles injury in 2018. The Packers did a great job vs. the Vikings’ WRs in Week 2 (7/185/1 on 17 targets) while not being tested by the Bears’ WRs (10/129) on opening day. CB Jaire Alexander has been impressive over the first two games (four catches for 64 yards on 19 targets). Tempting based on salary and his start to the year, but I see a downtick game.
Jamison Crowder, NYJ (DK – $4,800/FD – $6,200)
Fantasy owners expected great things from Crowder in Week 2 after his big game (4/99 on 17 targets) vs. the Bills. The dropdown at QB twice against the Browns led to only four catches for 40 yards on six targets. In their game vs. New England, the Jets will need to pass, but they are relying on a third-string QB. This season WRs have 28 catches for 288 yards and no TDs on 52 targets vs. the Patriots. Based on a chaser, he has chance at double-digit targets if you believe in the force behind Luke Falk.
Robbie Anderson, NYJ (DK – $4,800/FD – $5,700)
There hasn’t been much excitement from Anderson over the first two games (7/104 on 13 targets) after being drafted as WR3 in the season-long games. The Patriots will use CB Stephon Gilmore on him on most plays, and I can’t expect their new QB to force the ball in tight coverage. Anderson only had five catches for 46 yards on 13 targets in two games vs. the Patriots in 2018. Complete avoid.
Curtis Samuel, CAR (DK – $4,800/FD – $5,800)
Over the first two weeks, I’ve had multiple thoughts and observations about Samuel. First, I questioned whether there were enough targets for him behind Christian McCaffery and D.J. Moore. Secondly, I lost faith in Cam Newton’s ability to hit him on time with accuracy in the deep passing game. Last week Samuel played well (5/91) while receiving elite targets (13). He beat his man for big yardage on multiple plays, but Newton was either late on his throws or off-target. The change to a backup QB can’t hurt him as he will get open, but his opportunity may not be there. On the rise, but Samuel may need more games to produce impact upside. Hidden gem when his salary slides even lower once the QB play in improved in Carolina.
D.K. Metcalf, SEA (DK – $4,700/FD – $6,200)
It’s pretty easy to see that Metcalf is a good fit in the passing game for Russell Wilson, and his value should rise as the season moves on. Over two games, he has seven catches for 150 yards and a TD on 13 targets. Seattle pushed his snap count to 89 percent last week. CB Marshon Lattimore has struggled out of the gate (8/197/2) suggesting that Wilson will attack him in the deep passing game. Not quite ready for impact targets, but a pair of bombs would produce a nice game. Last year New Orleans was one of the top team vs. the run, which makes for an interesting prediction in game flow.
Courtland Sutton, DEN (DK – $4,500/FD – $5,600)
Sutton landed on the injury report this week with a rib issue putting him into the questionable column for Sunday’s game. Last week the Bears held him to four catches for 40 yards on seven targets after flashing in Week 1 (7/120 on eight targets). With Emmanuel Sanders expected to see top CB coverage, Joe Flacco will turn to Sutton or the TE position. CB Kevin King missed most of the last two seasons after being drafted in the second round in 2017. He has the size match Sutton in coverage while playing well in the first two games. A possible chaser game gives him chance if he plays on Sunday. Torn as I questioned his catch rate coming into 2019.
Deebo Samuel, SF (DK – $4,500/FD – $5,500)
Samuel looked the WR1 part in San Fran in Week 2 when he caught five of his seven targets for 86 yards and a TD. In the first game of the season, San Fran gave him WR1 snaps (80 percent). Last week they only had him on the field for 40 percent of their plays, which ranked fourth on the team as WR behind Marquise Goodwin (51 percent), Dante Pettis (40 percent), and Rickie James (46 percent). Game flow and score led to better blocking WRs in the game in the second half. Not ready to be trusted in the daily games on a single ticket, but he works in a 49ers stack with multiple tickets.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB (DK – $4,300/FD – $5,300)
About 12 hours ago in my writing time, I noticed than Valdes-Scantling would draw CB Chris Harris in coverage based on him lining up in the slot on most plays. I had to downgrade him slightly. Over the first two games, he caught seven passes for 71 yards on 11 targets while drawing two tough opponents (CHI and MIN). The Packers passing schedule gets better midseason (PHI, OAK, KC, WAS and NYG) over a nine-game stretch making Valdes-Scantling more attractive after he’s dropped in some leagues after another subpar game. Avoid for me even with a low salary.
Nelson Agholor, PHI (DK – $3,600/FD – $4,800)
The early release of salary for next week’s game blocked both DraftKings and Fanduel from correcting Agholor’s salary after the injuries on Sunday night to Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson. He finished with eight catches for 107 yards and a TD on 11 targets vs. the Falcons. His best opportunity will come this week if the Eagles keep him in the slot with the idea to avoid CB Darius Slay in coverage who will shadow WRs. After two games, WRs have seven catches for 87 yards on 18 targets against Slay. Not quite a slam dunk as most would believe if the Lions force Carson Wentz to use his second and third WRs.
