Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Always start your studs: Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Roddy White, Terrell Owens, Calvin Johnson, Hakeem Nicks, and Brandon Lloyd.

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

Steve Johnson vs. NE
Johnson is 18th in the league in receiving yards per game with 67, and his 10 TDs on the year rank fourth among WRs; he has definitely been a breakout WR this year. And even though he’s been in a little slump the last few weeks (147 yards and 1 TD in his last three games), things could turn around for him this week as he faces the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense. New England gives up 263 yards and nearly 2 TDs per game, and between Fitzpatrick and Mr. “Why So Serious”, those numbers could actually increase this week. Don’t sleep on Johnson bouncing back against New England—get him in your lineup.

Mike Williams vs. SEA
Williams, the star rookie wide receiver for Tampa Bay, is 25th in the league with 63 yards per game, and he has an impressive 8 TDs on the year. Not bad for a passing offense ranked 19th with a second-year quarterback throwing to a rookie receiver. Look for Williams to continue his potential Rookie of the Year performance against the Seahawks’ 29th-ranked pass defense. Seattle gives up 259 yards and 2 TDs per game, plus they allow the most big plays in the league (65—just under 5 per game). “Freeman to Williams” should be a common phrase for years to come, and you should hear it quite often this weekend.

Mike Sims-Walker vs. WAS
The other Mike (Thomas) is the receptions and yards guy, but this Mike (Sims-Walker) is the TD guy. Let’s face it, tight end Marcedes Lewis is the best receiver on this team; the “Mikes” are fighting for his scraps. Sims-Walker averages 44 yards per game—almost 10 less per game than Thomas—but he has 7 TDs to Thomas’ 3. Sims-Walker hasn’t had a lot of catches or yards in the last two weeks, but he’s reeled in 3 TDs in those two games. Against the Redskins—who, if I’m correct, haven’t cut or benched any multi-million dollar superstars this week—and their 30th-ranked pass defense that gives up 263 yards a game, it could be a big day for Sims-Walker.

Santana Moss @ JAX
Moss is 15th in the league with 68 receiving yards per game. He’s also seventh in the league in receptions. His 6 TDs leave a little something to be desired, but maybe Rex Grossman will target him in the red zone more. This week Moss gets to face the desperate Jaguars and their 27th-ranked pass defense. The Jags give up 256 yards and 2 TDs per game and the second-most 20-plus yard pass plays in the league. The jury (OK, my jury) is still out on Grossman, but if he comes close to his performance last week, Moss could be a huge beneficiary.

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

Santonio Holmes @ CHI
Holmes is averaging 66 yards per game and has 4 TDs through 10 games (8 starts) this year. His yardage is acceptable (at 20th in the league) but those TDs are weak. To make matters worse, he hasn’t caught a TD pass in three weeks, and I don’t think that streak will be broken against the Bears’ 14th-ranked pass defense this weekend. Chicago is a menace when it comes to pressure and turnovers, which they lead the league in, and Sanchez hasn’t exactly been on fire lately, so I’d think long and hard before inserting Holmes into your lineup this week.

Johnny Knox vs. NYJ
Just as you should stay away from Holmes against the Bears, you should avoid Knox against the Jets. The Jets are ninth in the league in pass defense, allowing just 206 yards a game, and everyone knows how good their defense is overall. You should also realize that Jay Cutler is not to be trusted. The combination of the Jets defense, including Revis on Knox, and Cutler’s inconsistency will make it tough for Knox to get his 62 yards per game or add to his 3 TDs on the year.

Chad Ochocinco vs. SD
Ocho is having a decent season—nothing great or “team carrying”, but decent. And now with Terrell Owens out for the year (don’t worry, you can still watch “TOcho” to get your fix), he should get more looks and opportunities to improve upon his 59 yards per game average. However, that’s unlikely to happen this week against the Chargers’ top-ranked pass defense. San Diego gives up just 170 yards a game and has allowed just 12 TDs on the year. Odds are they will pressure, harass, sack, and shut down Carson Palmer and the Bengals passing attack; so while it looks like a good time to play Ochocinco, it really isn’t. Think twice before submitting your lineup if he’s currently in it.

Michael Jenkins vs. NO
Jenkins has two things going against him this year: one, he plays on the same team as Roddy White; two, he’s been hurt. In his nine games played he’s averaged 46 yards per game but has only managed to haul in 2 TD catches—although both of them have come in the last three weeks. Still, against the Saints’ fourth-ranked pass defense, you shouldn’t expect much out of him. New Orleans allows just 195 yards per game and has given up a league-low 10 TDs through the air. Even with Matt Ryan at home, this is not a good matchup for Jenkins.