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Start 'Em:
Wide Receivers Who Will Outperform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Lee Evans @ NYJ
Historically speaking, Lee Evans has come up huge for fantasy
owners in December. In 19 career December games, Evans has 17
TDs. He’s got a juicy matchup on Sunday against the Jets,
who are currently are 1 of only 2 defenses in the NFL that give
up more than 250 passing YPG (Seahawks are the other). Even if
JP Losman gets his second consecutive start, he knows where to
butter his bread.
Davone Bess vs. SF
With 20 receptions for 245 yards in the past 3 games, Bess has
emerged as QB Chad Pennington’s favorite receiving option. The
rookie from Hawaii has benefited the most from Greg Camarillo’s
season ending injury. Bess had 5 deep ball targets (11 total)
last week; with similar looks against the 49ers, he could be in
for a big game. San Francisco has served up 11 passing plays of
40 or more yards this season.
Tony Gonzalez vs. SD
Gonzalez owners collectively cringed when HC Herm Edwards stated
that his QB is forcing the ball to Gonzo and overlooking other
receivers. No matter, Anthony David Gonzalez is at it again: the
9-time Pro Bowler has his highest TD total (7) since 2004. He
has 38 catches and 4 TDs in his last 5 games, which includes a
10-catch, 2 TD effort @ SD. The Chargers have left gaping holes
for opposing TEs all season.
Santana Moss @ CIN
Santana’s last 5 games have not been up to scratch but with
the exception of Seattle, his recent matchups haven’t been
stellar. He is overdue for a TD; Moss last hit paydirt in late
October. The Bengals provide a good opportunity for a break-out
game. They have served up 21 aerial TDs this season, tied for
the 3rd highest total in the NFL.
Deion Branch @ STL
Branch had 88 yards last week and 2 of his 4 receptions went for
TDs against his former Patriot mates. With Bobby Engram seemingly
a non-factor in the offense, Branch’s 9-catches in the past 2
weeks makes him the only Seattle WR worth a look. QB Seneca Wallace
will likely start and is coming off is best game of the season;
Deion’s matchup indoors @ St. Louis is too good to ignore.
Bench 'Em:
Wide Receivers Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Hines Ward @ BAL
Psycho Ward has only 7 catches for 76 yards in his last 3 games,
which definitely does not give fantasy owners a lot of confidence
going into a matchup with the Ravens. Baltimore’s defense
holds opponents to 176.4 passing YPG. Ward had 2 grabs for 57
yards in the first matchup of these teams earlier this season
and hasn’t scored a TD against the Ravens since 2004.
Braylon Edwards @ PHI
Fantasy owners are bearing witness to Edward’s season going from
disappointing to ghastly. Plagued by dropped passes and a fruitless
offense, Edwards has 5 grabs for 74 yards over the last 2 weeks.
Regardless of opponent, he will have tough time making big plays
with Ken Dorsey behind center, but the Eagles are no slouch; they
hold opponents to 187.4 passing YPG. Don’t pin your playoff hopes
here.
Reggie Wayne vs. DET
As a Wayne owner I must admit this isn’t an outright benching,
but it certainly is a demotion. Wayne has been quiet this season
with just 2 games over 100 yards and no TDs since Week 9. While
many are predicting a big game from Reggie against the hapless
Lions, I am not so sure. Teams have been content to pummel the
Lions on the ground and Detroit hasn’t allowed a receiver
to catch over 65 yards (or a 300-yard passer) since Week 8.
Amani Toomer @ DAL
I am aware that the SCR can be fickle. You burn me one week (2
catches for 25 yards – blah) and you end up on the flip side the
next, as is the case with Toomer. Without Plaxico Burress, the
Giants are obviously thin at receiver and Plax’s replacement,
“Butterfingers” Hixon, is now dinged up. I just don’t expect a
monster game from Toomer. Eli will continue to spread it out,
don’t be surprised if Steve Smith leads the team in receiving
again this week.
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