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Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Start 'Em:
Receivers Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Fred Davis vs. NYG
Fred Davis had a career-high 2 TDs against the Raiders last week
and has 12 receptions and 4 TDs over the last 3 games; he has
emerged as one of Jason Campbell's favorite targets in the red
zone. The timing seems to be good to start Davis this week; his
hot streak coincides with a visit from the New York Giants who
have been very friendly to opposing TEs of late. In the last 4
games against NY, TEs Brent Celek, Jason Witten, Tony Scheffler
and Tony Gonzalez have combined for 31 receptions for an average
of 88.8 YPG with 2 TDs. I don’t recommend sitting stud TEs such
as Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis or Antonio Gates in favor of Fred
Davis, but Fred appears poised to reward savvy owners who have
an unreliable alternate option this week.
Terrell
Owens vs. NE
With 5 just receptions over the last 2 weeks, the rejuvenation
of T.O. has hit bit of a snag, but Owens did score last week and
now has 4 TDs in his last 6 games. T.O. needs 4 catches this week
to reach 1,000 for his career. Only 5 players in NFL history have
hit that milestone. Say what you want about him, but you have
to respect (most of) what he has done in his career. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
has struggled the last 2 weeks, but surely knows where to butter
his bread. The Patriots secondary has struggled recently and although
Fitzpatrick will never be mistaken for Brees or Manning, he should
be able to put the ball in Owens’ hands enough for him to make
a positive impact on your fantasy team.
Antonio Bryant @ SEA
After 2 big games Bryant only had 2 catches for 22 yards as the
Bucs struggled to get anything going last week against the Jets.
CB Darrelle Revis predictably kept Bryant in check, but Antonio
should bounce back this week in Seattle against a Seahawks squad
that has allowed 252.8 passing YPG and served up 24 TD passes
this season. If you are dealing with injuries or other question
marks at the WR position, Bryant could be a nice plug-and-play
at WR3 this week.
Roy Williams
@ NO
For all the drubbings he has received for inconsistent play in
Dallas, Williams has quietly put together decent numbers over
the last several weeks. In his last 4 games, he has 17 receptions
and 4 TDs. Williams remains a preferred red-zone target of QB
Tony Romo because of his size and ability. It is not a stretch
to think that the Cowboys will be playing from behind in New Orleans,
which could bode well for Williams. The Saints have some concern
at the cornerback position and I can see Roy taking advantage
of that this week.
Bench 'Em:
Receivers Who Will Under Perform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
The Chiefs anemic offense is enough to
keep Bowe on your bench.
Dwayne Bowe vs. CLE
Dwayne Bowe returned to practice this week after serving a 4-week
suspension for violating NFL rules on the use of performance-enhancing
drugs. It is unclear at this point whether Head Coach Todd Haley
will automatically reinsert Bowe into the starting lineup, so I
would advise exercising caution before plugging him in and hoping
for the best. Bowe was in Haley’s doghouse early in the season and
this recent mishap probably hasn’t helped matters. Bowe is extremely
talented and has tremendous upside, but I think expecting him to
have a huge impact on the anemic Chiefs passing offense in his first
game back could be asking too much. Roll the dice with him as a
WR3 if you must – you could do much worse; but don’t expect him
to be a difference maker for you.
Roddy White @ NYJ
White’s confounding issues are two-fold this week. First, it appears
that QB Matt Ryan will miss another game, meaning QB Chris Redman
will likely start; Redman is decent, but spread the ball around
to 8 different receivers last week and White only caught 2 passes.
Secondly and more significantly, White will be guarded by shutdown
CB Darrelle Revis. Revis has been very impressive this year, holding
opposing #1 WRs to (mostly) skimpy receiving totals all season.
If you have a better option and matchup, strongly consider using
him.
Robert Meachem vs. DAL
Meachem has scored at least 1 TD in 6 of his last 8 games; with
his scorching speed and Drew Brees throwing him the ball he remains
an extremely potent deep-ball threat. He has proven capable of
big games, but also has recorded 2 or fewer catches in 7 of his
11 contests this season. PPR-leaguers beware. He could be a sneaky
WR3 or flex play, but expecting another 8-catch, 142-yard game
isn’t prudent. The Cowboys are still prone to giving up the big
play, but not nearly as much as in recent years. It’s going to
be a tough call, but I think I’ll be leaving Meachem on the bench
this week.
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