His Wk 1 was mediocre but Floyd did see
7 targets including 3 in the redzone while averaging 20.3
ypc.
Grab a Helmet
Alshon
Jeffery vs PHI: The back end of the Eagles defense sprung
a few leaks last week (four 20-plus yard pass plays allowed), and
Jeffery averaged a stellar 26.3 yards per catch last week as he
went over the 100-yard mark for the first time since Week 14 of
last year. I still fully believe that healthy, Jeffery is a strong
bet to approach top 5 receiver numbers when the season is said and
done, and a Monday night game is a great place to continue his strong
start. Look for 80-plus yards and a score to be a possible floor
for the Bears top receiver.
Michael
Floyd vs TB: Floyd represents the best overall receiving
threat on the Cardinals offense, as he boasts the greatest combination
of speed and size on the roster. The whole Arizona offense looked
off balance last week in their loss to the Patriots, but he did
see 7 targets (3 of which came in the redzone) come his way which
was good for second on the team. Tampa Bay gave up chunks of yards
to Matt Ryan and the Falcons last week, and remains ripe to the
big play. Look for Arizona to come out aggressive and set the tone,
connecting on a few deep passes, and giving Floyd a chance to approach
WR1 numbers at a value price.
TE Delanie
Walker @ DET: Walker was a forgotten man in Week 1, seeing
only 5 targets in a game where second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota
had to throw 41 times. Walker had games of 5 or fewer targets only
three times last year, so it’s a good bet that a big part of the
game plan is getting Walker involved against a Lions defense that
game up three scores to the Colts tight ends last week. Walker should
be able to work the seams against a Detroit linebacker/safety corps
that doesn’t flow well at times. Tennessee struggled mightily against
the Vikings, but should be able to move the ball against Detroit,
giving Walker some chances for a red zone score.
Grab Some Pine
Vincent
Jackson @ ARI: Jackson hasn’t had a big fantasy impact
in nearly a calendar year, but for some reason was a trendy sleeper
pick going into this season. He only has five touchdowns in his
last 27 games, and has shown little chemistry with young Buc Winston.
This pass offense works through Evans and the running backs, leaving
little for Jackson to feed off of. He only caught 2 of his 7 targets
in Week 1 for a nearly invisible 18 yards. He may puff up a stat
sheet a few times this year, but the 33-year old has lost the
physical edge that made him an elite fantasy play in the prime
of his career. You are better off going with higher upside options,
than hoping this is the week where Jackson catches fire.
T.Y.
Hilton/Donte
Moncrief @ DEN: Thought it’s likely you should never
flat out bench these guys, facing the stingy Denver defense in
Mile High has to cause expectations to be tempered. The duo combined
for 112 yards and zero scores in their meeting last year. Andrew
Luck is healthier than he was a year ago, but the line still struggled
to protect him in Week 1 and he’ll be harassed by Miller and his
head hunting cronies. This is a game where the Colts go max protect,
try to dink and dunk the ball down the field with screens and
slants, so basically you’ll be hoping that these guys do everything
after the catch.
Jordy
Nelson v. MIN: Nelson played in his first regular season
game since 2014, and if the results of Week 1 are any indication,
he’s still got some work to do to get back to form. The
targets (9) and touchdown gloss over the fact that he only produced
5.3 yards per catch, the lowest total he’s had in quite
a long time. After missing much of the preseason with a tweak
in his other knee, a slow start was inevitable. But until I see
some explosion and separation downfield, it’s tough to trust
him as anything more than a WR3 right now. I don’t like
the defensive matchup very much either, as the Vikings play a
disciplined team scheme that held the Packers to just three passing
touchdowns in their two meetings last year.
