Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Bye Weeks:

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

Kellen Winslow @ ATL
After his monster 9-catch, 109 yard, 2 TD-effort in Week 5 against the Eagles, Winslow went cold for a few weeks. Over his last 3 he has started to heat up again, witch 16 catches and 1 TD. The Falcons gave up 2 aerial scores to Kevin Boss last week and have allowed a TE to score in 2 of their last 3. The timing appears to be right to run Winslow out there in a flex capacity this week. The Falcons allow 253.4 passing YPG and have served up 16 aerial scores.

Chad Ochocinco vs. CLE
In his 16-game career against the Browns, Ochocinco has 79 catches for 1,095 yards. His 2 touchdowns in their Week 4 match up brought his career TD total to 11 against the Browns, the most against any opponent. Faced with some tough opponents, Chad has been quiet the last few games, but he should bounce back nicely this week as the matchup is ripe and he due. Cleveland has been burned to the tune of 15 TDs 247.1 passing YPG

Brandon Gibson vs. SEA
Rookie Brandon Gibson, acquired from the Eagles in the Will Witherspoon trade, finally saw some action in 2009 and his recent 2 game totals of 12 catches for 154 yards have not gone unnoticed in fantasy circles. His route running and hands need work, but Gibson should continue to see targets in the Rams’ offense. It remains to be seen if he will have the same rapport with Kyle Boller, but Seattle has been burned through the air consistently. The Seahawks have given up 19 aerial TDs this year and 236.8 YPG

Roddy White vs. TB
White had 6 TDs in his first 7 games of 2009 but hasn’t hit pay dirt in his last 3 games. This week he faces a Bucs defense that has been torched for 22 aerial TDs in 10 games. Barring a huge letdown, White and Co. should have their way with the Tampa defense. Roddy continues to see a lot of targets from QB Matt Ryan and leads the team with 66 receptions.

Chris Chambers @ SD
Gut feeling on Chambers this week as he should muster some extra motivation when he faces his old team in San Diego. Chambers is averaging 24.9 YPC on his 10 receptions (including 2 TDs) with the Chiefs and he has not had less than 60 YPG with his new squad. While Matt Cassel could easily struggle in this game, look for Chambers to lead the team in receptions and yards.

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

Jason Witten vs. OAK
Witten’s 54 catches lead the Cowboys but he is banged up headed into this week’s Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Raiders in Dallas. He was limited in practice on Tuesday and present for a portion on Wednesday. Reports indicate that team doctors fear Witten could risk further injury if he plays on Thursday. Oakland has allowed just 8 aerial TDs this season, the second-lowest number in the NFL. Tight Ends Antonio Gates, Brent Celek and Owen Daniels were all held in check against the Raiders.

Steve Smith (Car) @ NYJ
The Jets boast one of the top pass defenses in the NFL, allowing just 182.9 passing YPG and only 7 TDs through 10 games. CB Darrelle Revis has stifled opponent’s #1 WR on a regularly in 2009 and Smith will have his hands full this week. He will be hard-pressed to repeat last week’s 7-catch, 87 yard, 1-TD game. Carolina is at their best when they focus on their running game and Smith may be better served as a decoy this week, which does little for fantasy owners who are making a playoff push.

Davone Bess @ BUF
Bess leads the Dolphins in receptions (46) and yards (397) and that is why his name appears here. QBs named Brees and Schaub struggled in Buffalo and it isn’t fair to expect Chad Henne to rise above. The Bills pass defense has been solid this year as they allow 200.8 YPG and have 17 interceptions and just 8 TDs allowed. 5 catches for 45 yards is about the most you can expect here.

Mohamed Massaquoi @ CIN
Rookie Mohamed Massaquoi may be the best receiver on the Browns, but it appears that his inconsistency this season will keep him from being a viable fantasy commodity. In 9 games this season, Massaquoi has had just 1 or 2 receptions 6 times. Two of his quality games (8 catches, 148 yards vs. Cin & 5 catches for 83 yards @ Pit) were both followed up with 1-catch performances. Last week he had 5 catches for 115 yards and a TD and a stinker is not out of the question. I would think twice before expecting another solid performance this week in Cincinnati.