The last time A.J. Green faced Baltimore
on the road he finished with 10 catches, 227 yards and 2 TDs.
Grab a Helmet
Michael
Thomas @ TB: Despite passing far fewer times this year,
Thomas has been able to surpass his lofty target, reception, and
yardage numbers from his sterling rookie season. With injuries and
ineffective play from the other players at his position, Thomas
has taken on the passing game load and made the most of it. His
141 targets are 6th most at the receiver position, and he is 11th
in standard scoring despite not having a real blow-up game. This
week the Saints head to Tampa in a game that could decide the NFC
South Division winner. Thomas has been as steady as they come, and
is sure to see his fair share of chances against a middling secondary,
putting him in clear WR1 territory.
DeAndre
Hopkins @ IND: I fully believe that Hopkins could be
productive if I were the starting quarterback of the Texans. Despite
truly awful quarterback play since the loss of Deshaun Watson, Hopkins
has continued to be the lone bright spot in a dark season for Houston.
Now it’s true Hopkins has greatly benefitted from some serious garbage
time stats, especially in some recent losses where he’s gone into
the 4th quarter of games with almost zero production. But he remains
Houston’s first and only offensive weapon, and should have a field
day against an overmatched Colts secondary. The NFL leader in targets,
and touchdowns, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Hopkins
finishes with the lead in receptions and yardage as well. Roll with
Hopkins as he completes a truly magical fantasy season.
A.J.
Green @ BAL: Although the Ravens have been among the
most stingy defenses against opposing wide receivers all season,
they’ve shown serious cracks since losing Jimmy Smith for the season
several weeks ago. Since then they’ve given up 4-90 to Marvin Jones,
11-213 to Antonio Brown, and 6-100 to T.Y. Hilton. Green went for
74 yards in their opening week matchup, and should have room for
more this week. It’s been awhile, but A.J undressed this defense
the last time they played in Baltimore with a 10-227-2 line. I don’t
know if you can expect that, but 100 yards and a touchdown isn’t
out of the realm of possibility, making Green a potential top-10
play at receiver this week.
Grab Some Pine
Amari
Cooper @ LAC: Cooper’s season has been one to forget,
even after his 63-yard touchdown last week against the Eagles.
That touchdown was gifted by the Eagles corner, and despite the
63-yard score, he still only finished with 66 total yards on the
night. Yeah, he did have a contested 44-yard gain wiped out by
a holding penalty, but Cooper and this pass offense is entirely
out of sync, and it’s unlikely to get on track against a desperate
and talented Charger defense. Cooper is going to be one of my
favorite buy low receivers going into 2018 since I still believe
in his talent and he only turns 24 in June, but for Week 17 avoid
him and let this nightmare season come to a close.
Kendall
Wright, Dontrelle
Inman @ MIN: Yeah, I’m aware that it’s likely you haven’t
considered a Bears’ receiver at any point this year, but you might
be tempted with so many top players likely to be rested this week.
Well Minnesota still has the No.2 seed to play for, so don’t expect
any letup from their defensive unit. Chicago has the fewest receptions
and touchdowns by receivers of any team this season, and those
numbers won’t improve this week. Keep all Chicago skill position
players as far from your starting team as possible.
Alshon
Jeffery vs DAL: What I said about Nick Foles goes double
for the Eagle pass catchers. Jeffery, Ertz, and Algholor are going
to play, but it’s impossible to know how long, and it’s
a gamble to figure out who gets the touches when the 1st team
is in the game. The Eagles and the Rams are the perfect ammunition
for the argument against playing meaningful fantasy games into
Week 17. Bench your Eagles and go with the options you are more
sure about.
