Wide Receivers

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

Brandon Marshall v. SD
He looked good in preseason and has a wunderkind in Eddie Royal lining up on the other side. Cutler is firing and the whole bizarre McDonald’s bag episode is now in the past. Despite facing Antonio Cromartie, Brandon could very well scorch the Bolts for a buck and two TDs.

Anthony Fasano @ ARI
Who else is Pennington going to throw to? Surprisingly enough, the Cardinals allowed the least amount of points to opposing TEs last year, but this is where bleeding need overcomes an interesting stat. And the kid has talent. Fasano outscores his (barely) TE#2 drafting.

L.J. Smith @ DAL
The Iggles have been talking all off-season about how they need to get L.J. more involved this year. So he was against the Rams, catching a red-zone TD. If Philly is to win in Dallas, he absolutely must show up strong. I think he does.

Justin Gage @ CIN
Big and speedy, Gage should pose a problem for the Bengals CBs. Collins has the arm to get it to him, and he just might haul in a TD. Hell, don’t expect the world, but you probably drafted him as your fourth WR at best, and he just might turn in good WR#3 numbers this weekend.

Matt Jones v. BUF
Who knows if David Garrard will even have time to throw? If he does, Matt Jones will be on the receiving end if last Sunday was any indication. Jones has all the talent in the world but appears to lack drive, desire, and discipline…essentially any semblance of a super-ego. If he can summon up anything in these departments, then Jones is good for WR#2 stats.

Greg Jennings @ DET
Green Bay has a balanced attack to give Detroit nightmares. Jennings and Driver will have a big day, with Driver with the receptions and his younger colleague, the yardage. They were both targeted equally against the Vikes, but Jennings should become the favorite as the season progresses. This week he out-plays his WR#2 draft spot.

David Patten @ WAS
With Colston going down, Drew Brees will lean on Shockey and Patten. Patten is a sharp route runner with an established rapport with Brees. If you were smart enough to draft him, play Patten as a number two WR. I would count on yards and receptions over scores.

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

Chad Johnson v. TEN
Big on sizzle, short on steak, look for the grammatically incorrect Ocho to play well below his ADP. Carson Palmer should be under siege from the gun, and Ocho didn’t look especially sharp against the Ravens. You’ll probably have to start him but lower your expectations.

Roddy White @ TB
Tampa Bay plays White tough, and Matt Ryan will find it much harder going against the Bucs defense than the Lions. He’s a low-end WR#1 to begin with, but this week closer to a low-end WR#2.

Eddie Royal v. SD
Despite the name, don’t coronate the kid just yet. The Chargers have one of the best CB duos in the league, and Brandon Marshall is back to suck up the bulk of the looks. You just picked him up off the wire and are filled with the promises of another nine-catch performance but temper your expectations. Look for WR#3 stats. If he blows up again this week, I’m a believer.

Roy Williams v. GB
With Mega getting most the attention, Williams may find a little breathing room. On the other hand, the Packers are solid against the pass and have had the answer for him in past matchups. Chalk this up to less a lack on Williams’ part than a strong sense that the Packers will handily determine the pace of this game on both sides of the ball.

D.J. Hackett v. CHI
D.J. looked rusty and tentative against the Chargers—missing preseason apparently hurt more than you’d think. The Bears aren’t any easier, and what seemed like a great WR#2 pick with Steve Smith out won’t even put up WR#3 numbers.