Wide Receivers

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

Donald Driver @ SEA
Teammate Greg Jennings is a must start every week, but Driver earned back some respect with his fantastic deep ball catch against the Falcons. Remember when the Seahawks defense was dominant at home? Those days are over. Seattle had 11 returning starters this year, yet it has allowed 7 passing TDs in just 4 games to foes much less formidable Driver & Co. Aaron Rodgers is bound to make some plays and Driver will be there getting his share against the sinking ship that is the Seahawks.

Wes Welker @ SD
Welker leads the Patriots with 27 catches and is remains a respectable WR3, especially in PPR leagues as he has had at least 6 grabs in every game this season. He has lost some of his luster because he has yet to find the end zone with QB Matt Cassel behind center, but his chances for a TD increase against the Chargers who have already served up 10 aerial scores.

Bernard Berrian vs. DET
Berrian made his presence felt on Monday Night with his 6 catch, 110 yard performance. Numbers like this weren’t going to come easy for Berrian (first Vikings receiver to go over 100 yards in 35 games!!!), but with Tarvaris Jackson looking good in a headset, Gus Frerotte has the ability to get the ball deep to Berrian on a consistent basis. He has 267 receiving yards in his last 3 games and should deliver Sunday against a terrible Lions defense.

Devin Hester @ ATL
After a slow start, Hester has 8 catches for 93 yards and 2 TDs over the last 2 weeks. With gimpy Brandon Lloyd likely sidelined this week, Hester should have another solid game. The Falcons have yielded 9 passing TDs and with Kyle Orton doing his best Dan Marino impression, he should find Hester for some big plays.

Santana Mossvs. STL
Despite last week’s disappearing act, Moss still ranks 6th in the NFL in both catches (27) and yards (421), respectively. Jason Campbell knows where to bread his butter this week. Santana’s speed will be too much for the Rams who have given up more points than any other team in the league (except the Lions, both have given up 147 in only 4 games). The Santana Train gets back on track and back to WR1 numbers.

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

Derrick Mason @ IND
Mason is clearly the #1 fantasy receiving option in Baltimore and signs point to a nice chemistry developing with QB Joe Flacco. While the Colts can be run on, they possess one of the more consistent passing defenses in the league that has only 1 TD and has kept opponents under 165 YPG. Mason may have a few grabs but for low yardage totals.

Anthony Gonzalez vs. BAL
Gonzalez is expected to play despite suffering a concussion last week but he has a few things going against him here. Anthony produced early in the season but his numbers have declined in the last 2 games since teammate Dallas Clark’s return to the lineup. The Colts passing game isn’t as sharp as expected and they are up against the #1 defense of the Ravens. AG is the fourth or fifth option in Indy; leave him alone.

Isaac Bruce vs. PHI
The Reverend is enjoying a resurgence in San Francisco (4 TDs!), but with the Eagles in town, things won’t come as easy for him and JT O’Sullivan. McNabb is calling out his team and I smell a dominant team performance from Philly. Bruce may deliver a fine sermon, but he won’t deliver for his owners this week.

Antonio Bryant vs. CAR
After his week 3 break out, Bryant has not done much to distinguish himself. He averaging 8.8 YPC the last 2 weeks and still has a goose egg in the TD column. With the QB situation iffy and the tough Carolina Panthers in town, Antonio Bryant cannot be relied upon by his owners this week.

Kellen Winslow vs. NYG
You can’t bench Winslow for the Monday Nighter against the Giants, but you can’t expect a big game either. The Browns passing game is in shambles and he has yet to go over 55 yards in a game this year. The defending champs solid D has given up next-to-nothing to opposing TEs. KW2 and his achy knee will be kept in check.