Wide Receivers

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

Lee Evans @ NE
Evans is in line for a nice bounce back after a disappointing 4-catch, 41-yard effort last week. I expect the Patriots to be in control of this game while containing Marshawn Lynch. This will open the door for Evans to make some plays and probably grab the 1 TD that Trent Edwards can throw per game. The Patriots have allowed 13 passing TDs and 7 passing plays of 40+ yards. Go Lee.

Dwayne Bowe @ SD
All things considered, Bowe has treated fantasy owners pretty well this year. He averages 5+ catches per game and has scored TDs in the contests where he fell short of 5 grabs. With QB Tyler Thigpen looking somewhat legit, Bowe has a shot to put up good totals against a Chargers defensive unit that has allowed more passing yards than any other NFL squad. In 2 games against SD last year, Bowe had 13 catches for 219 yards and a score. Not too shabby.

Greg Camarillo vs. SEA
Camarillo had a career-high 11 catches for 111 yards last week against the porous Broncos D. While it wouldn’t be fair to expect the same, it is fair to say that the Seahawks passing D (258 YPG, 13 TDs allowed) is even more pathetic than the Broncos. While Cam isn’t a safe bet to score, he is a safe WR3 or Flex player and should be good for 5+ grabs and about 75 yards receiving.

Calvin Johnson vs. JAX
CJ wants to set franchise record with TDs in 5 straight games, and even if QB Daunte Culpepper gets the start, I wouldn’t bet against him. He had a career-high 8 receptions last week and only the Cardinals have given up more aerial scores (16) than the Jags (14). His talent should allow him to post solid numbers, regardless of who is behind center.

Matt Jones @ DET
I don’t want to spend too much time here because of Jones’s pending suspension (he is still waiting to hear from the NFL), but if he suits up on Sunday he is definitely worth a start. David Garrard’s top target has 22 grabs and a TD in his last 3 games.

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

Plaxico Burress @ PHI
9 catches, 73 yards and a TD. Those are Burress’ last 3 games…combined!! I expected him to rise to the occasion last week – but it is becoming clear that the Giants don’t need Plaxico to post big numbers to be successful. They are more than happy to run the ball and Eli does a great job spreading it around. Plax is not being fazed out of this offense and he has done damage against the Eagles before, but it is wise to keep your expectations in check here.

Hines Ward vs. IND
I love the way Hines Ward approaches the game; there are not many players who look like they have as much fun on the field as he does. While his catch totals leave something to be desired, he does have 5 TDs on the season. However, the Steelers face the Colts this week (with or without Big Ben), and Indy has a knack for shutting down the passing game of their opponents. They have allowed an NFL-low two aerial scores and an average of 181 passing YPC.

DeSean Jackson vs. NYG
DeSean, DeSean, where have you gone? First four NFL games: 22 catches, 327 yards, 1 (should have been 2, if not for some ridiculous show-boating) TD. Last four NFL games: 12 catches, 198 yards, 0 TD. Against a tough Giants D, I expect his numbers this week to resemble that of his more recent performances.

Marvin Harrison @ PIT
Ok, he teased us to start the season with an 8-catch, 76-yard effort and critics were beginning to reconsider. Maybe he wasn’t done after all. But after further review, including 7 catches for 73 yards and exactly 0 TDs in his last 3 games, Harrison cannot be considered as a starting option. There must be better alternatives. Even if he brings his guns with him, he is not getting open against the Steelers.

Muhsin Muhammad @ OAK
Muhammad has been a pleasant surprise in his first year back with the Panthers and he still leads the team in receptions. Despite the Raiders propensity to suck, I think the Panthers will control this game with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, curbing Moose’s opportunities to make big plays. Any deep balls are going to Smith.