Mike Wallace: The Raiders secondary has
been burned by Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Julio Jones.
Grab a Helmet
Mike
Wallace vs OAK: The Raiders are allowing the most fantasy
points to receivers, so this week’s matchup for Wallace looks golden.
Wallace has seen 6 targets in each of Baltimore’s first three games,
and had two double digit weeks before falling back to earth in Week
3. The nature of Wallace’s game will always make him an inconsistent
play, but this week looks too juicy to ignore. Wallace is mostly
likely the WR4 or lower on your roster, but do what you have to
make room for the home run hitter as a WR2 play.
DeSean
Jackson v. CLE: Jackson is a few Kurt Cousin overthrows
from being a top 5 wide receiver. He’s quietly tied for the team
lead in targets (25) while still being considered just a “deep threat”.
He’s one of the game’s best big play receivers, and has already
matched his 2015 touchdown total with two. Washington SHOULD jump
out to a big lead in this one, and Jackson could be part of the
festivities. The Washington pass game found its groove against the
Giants, and they can’t run the ball, so look for a ton of opportunities
for Jackson. Oh yeah, it’s also a contract year for the diminutive
playmaker. Funny how that works out isn’t it?
TE Kyle
Rudolph v. NYG: The one level of defense that the Giants
didn’t upgrade much was their linebacker group. Although they’ve
yet to give up a touchdown to a tight end, injuries to the back
end of the defense should allow Rudolph to build off his strong
start to the season. Perennially held back by injuries, Rudolph
is finally playing with a quarterback willing and able to throw
into tight windows. He’s as healthy as he has been since his Pro
Bowl year, and seems to be a big part of the game plan with 26 targets
in three games. The tight end position is in crazy flux right now,
so get the former golden domer in your lineup right away.
Grab Some Pine
Tajae
Sharpe @ HOU: After a strong debut (7-76), Sharpe has
been quiet the past couple weeks, and was even called out after
Week 3 for mental errors. Despite garnering a ton of hype as a
player many felt could lead the Titans in receiving, Sharpe is
still a 5th round selection adjusting to life in the NFL after
a college career at UMASS. The nature of this offense already
limits his potential, and inconsistency will follow. Sharpe also
has a brutal match-up against a Texans defense giving up the 4th
fewest fantasy points to receivers. Better days are ahead for
the rookie, but they won’t start this week.
Mike
Evans vs. DEN: Yes I know Evans has been an absolute
monster to start the season. He’s scored in all three games, and
has a low yardage total of 70. But this week in Denver is a whole
other beast. The Broncos defense hasn’t lost a step, throttling
receivers the likes of A.J. Green, T.Y. Hilton in recent weeks.
Yes, the bigger, more physical receivers pose a superior threat
to the Denver secondary because they can’t be outmuscled, but
Evans is literally the only threat in the Tampa offense, and I
expect Denver to blanket, bracket, and any other “b” word you
can throw in there, to neutralize Evans. I’m not advocating a
benching obviously, but this is a more WR2 type game then elite
WR1 game.
Jeremy
Maclin @ PIT:. It’s just really hard to trust any pass
catcher in this Chiefs offense. The weekly game plan seems to
call for 4 tight ends and 3 running backs who steal most of the
targets away from the outside receivers. Maclin is extremely talented,
and will have some big games this year, but unless you are desperate
it might be better to look for more consistent options. The Steelers
have done a good job containing the passing games of their opponents
(even though they surrendered 34 points last week, no Eagle wide
receiver topped 33 yards). With Pittsburgh struggling to contain
backs and tight ends, I look for another ball control, short passing
game plan for Kansas City this week on the road.
