Wide Receivers

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

Derrick Mason @ MIA
Mason’s 17.1 YPC against Miami is his highest against any team he's faced three times or more. More importantly, the Dolphins are beatable through the air, surrendering 8 TDs and 239 YPG. They will limit the Ravens running game, forcing QB Joe Flacco to throw. This is good news for Mason owners; he’s already caught nearly a third of Flacco’s completions. He remains a solid WR3, especially in PPR formats.

Lee Evans vs. SD
The 3rd highest paid receiver in the NFL (blah!) has 16 only catches, but Evans is facing a Chargers D that has served up 10 passing TDs. The speedy Evans leads the NFL with a 27.0 YPC average. While he has a penchant for disappearing in games, I like his chances at home this week to put up solid WR2 numbers.

Torry Holt vs. DAL
Torrance Jabbar Holt has had some trouble getting open this year, but a visit from Cowboys - who have given up 8 aerial TDs and 212 YPG – could be just what he needs to get going. “Big Game” always plays better at home and the Rams will play with some confidence after finally getting their first ‘W’ on the season. The Cowboys have allowed QBs to throw two TDs in three straight games. Torry gets his this week.

Laveranues Coles @ OAK
LL ‘Cool’ Coles has 22 catches and 4 TDs in his last 3 games. As QB Brett Favre has gotten more comfortable in the Jets’ offense, Coles has seen his targets and catches increase with each game. Oakland is bound to roll over again as the organization remains in disarray. Count on Coles for 6 catches, 80 yards and a TD.

Antonio Bryant/Ike Hilliard vs. SEA
I like Bryant to have more catches and yards, but Hilliard to have a score. You can’t expect a stat line like you’d see from Reggie Wayne or Brandon Marshall here, but QB Jeff Garcia will get it done against a hapless ‘Hawks defense. Chances are Joey Galloway won’t see considerable action, but both of these Buccaneer WRs should be serviceable in your WR3 slot.

Marques Colston @ CAR
Unless he suffers a setback in practice this week, Colston needs to be in your lineup. QB Drew Brees is the hottest QB in the league right now and he would love to have another big target to throw to. Don’t let the Panthers pesky defense deter you; if Colston plays he is certain to have an impact.

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

Santana Moss vs. CLE
No, Santana wasn’t on a self-induced bye in week 5; he just didn’t register a single catch. In week 6 against the porous Rams defense he managed to grab just 2 balls. These kinds of numbers from a “#1” WR are unacceptable. Consider that the Browns have been surprisingly solid vs. the pass, picking off more passes (9) than TDs allowed (4); they are 1 of 11 NFL teams holding opponents under 200 passing YPG.

Calvin Johnson @ HOU
With Roy Williams out the door, CJ stakes his claim to being the Lions true #1 receiver. While that is satisfying, Johnson was concussed last week and suffered from blurry vision after the game. With the Texans so easy to beat on the ground, QB Dan Orlovsky won’t be relied on to do too much (thank goodness). It’s tough to bench Johnson - but temper expectations here.

Dwayne Bowevs. TEN
Dwayne Lorenzo Bowe is quietly putting together a decent season on a bad offensive team that averages 13 PPG. Regrettably both of his TDs were in the first 3 games of the season and he has yet to eclipse 100 yards in any game this year. I don’t see either changing this week; the Titans have given up just 1 passing TD while intercepting 10 balls. Keep Bowe on the down low.

Bobby Engram @ TB
It’s a good thing that Charlie Frye threw an interception last week; otherwise Engram wouldn’t have registered a single stat on the day, aside from his 1 tackle. The Seahawks passing game - to be led this week Seneca Wallace or Charlie Frye - has the second-worst production in the NFL. The Bucs have an NFL-best (tie – Green Bay) 11 interceptions. Not looking good for Simon J. Engram this week.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. PIT
Touraj has been the lone bright spot for the Bengals, grabbing 38 balls and 3 TDs in their dismal season. The Steelers are adept at containing their opponents passing game and they should give fits to QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. I really can’t say TJ should be outright benched, but his value remains higher in PPR leagues and he should not be counted on for a big game.