Posted by Sean in Fantasy Advice,Ranks,Wide Receivers on Nov 20th 2009 and last modified on Nov 21st 2009. (Print This)
Megatron owners have been patiently waiting. He has a favorable match-up vs. the Browns.
The bye weeks are over and the playoff march begins. The position is at full strength for this first time all season. Calvin and Boldin are returning to form. Both are expected to have strong outings this week with favorable match-ups. Steve Smith showed flashes of his former self, while Greg Jennings continues to keep fantasy owners waiting. After exploding onto the scene, Miles Austin has gone quiet, while Sidney Rice has been difficult to silence. Garcon and Collie continue ot duel for the affection of their quarterback. The receiver pool is as deep as ever. Heading down the stretch, games are often won and lost with your WR3. Make sure you pick the right play-maker or your season could be over. Just like every week, the Brotherhood will be fielding each and every question. Have a sit/start, waiver wire or trade question? – feel free to send it in. There are some major Top 20 match-ups to be aware of. Asomugha, Revis, Samuel and Bailey are arguably the best 4 corners in the game. Let’s take a look at who they’ll line up against, as well as some of the more favorable scenarios.
Update: Steve Smith (7 rec, 87 yards, 1 TD) and Davone Bess (6 rec, 63 yards) got things started on Thursday night.
The Fab 4 Mouth-Watering Match-Ups
Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Chad Ochocinco Fitz/Boldin/Breaston vs. St. Louis
Darrelle Revis vs. Randy Moss Calvin Johnson vs. Cleveland
Asante Samuel vs. Devin Hester Brandon Marshall vs. San Diego
Champ Bailey vs. Vincent Jackson Andre Johnson vs. Tennessee
1) Andre Johnson – HOU – WR, vs. Tennessee Titans, Mon 8:30 PM
Andre will face a Titan’s pass defense that’s ranked second to last in the NFL. Tennessee has let up a league leading 23 aerial scores. AJ is in for a field day. With the struggles in the running game, and the injuries to Owen Daniels and Jacoby Jones – AJ will have to play an even bigger role in the Texans offense.
2) Larry Fitzgerald – ARI – WR, at St. Louis Rams, Sun 4:05 PM
Unbelievable years, lead to unbelievable expectations. Has Fitz lived up to the pre-season hype? – No. But his 09 season has definitely been productive. He’s second in the league in targets, and tied for first in touchdowns. Zona appears to be finally firing on all cylinders. The Cards have one of the more favorable schedules down the stretch.
3) Reggie Wayne – IND – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
Wayne continues to lead the league in targets. Peyton has gotten comfortable with other receivers, but there is no doubt who’s his number one guy. Wayne leads the league in targets, receptions, and touchdowns. He ranks second in receiving yards behind Randy Moss.
4) Brandon Marshall – DEN – WR, vs. San Diego Chargers, Sun 4:15 PM
With each game that passes, Marshall is looking more and more like his 08 self. Remaining in the Top 5 will depend on the health of his quarterback. Chris Simms played horribly in the reliever role completing a measly 3 of 13 passes in last weeks game. Marshall has the capabilities of being both a reception machine and a TD Monster – a lethal combination.
5) Calvin Johnson – DET – WR, vs. Cleveland Browns, Sun 1:00 PM
Megatron makes his way back into the Top 5 this week, with a favorable match-up vs. the Browns. It’s been a disappointing season for the third year WR. If there is any truth to the “Three Year Theory” Johnson should be in for quite a stretch run. He remains one of the top prospects at the position. He’s a decent buy-low target as the trade deadline approaches.
6) Wes Welker – NEP – WR, vs. New York Jets, Sun 4:15 PM
Welker once again proved last week why we love him so much. I’ll say this week, what I say every week: THERE IS NOT A MORE CONSISTENT WIDE-OUT IN THE GAME. He is immune to match-ups and can be counted upon for 8-9 catches, for 80-90 yards each and every game. If you’re looking for a WR1 but don’t want to pay a WR1 price – target Welker.
7) Randy Moss – NEP – WR, vs. New York Jets, Sun 4:15 PM
Moss will attempt to get revenge vs. Darrelle Revis who absolutely shut him down in their first meeting. Revis has been a fantasy eraser – completely blanketing some of the top receivers in the league. Moss won’t be kept quite again. Don’t expect his weekly average, but he’ll still produce.
8) Roddy White – ATL – WR, at New York Giants, Sun 1:00 PM
Roddy is one of the more consistent WRs out there, but Tony G’s addition to the Falcons has not improved the offense as expected. Matt Ryan is currently in the midst of a sophomore slump. Despite the signing of the greatest TE of all time, Ryan’s numbers have struggled. Things don’t get any easier this week as they go on the road to face the Giants. New York is coming off a bye week and has had two weeks to prepare. With Michael Turner out, the team will need it’s WR1 to step up.
9) DeSean Jackson – PHI – WR, at Chicago Bears, Sun 8:20 PM
DeSean Jackson did not find the end-zone last week. He didn’t break a play for an enormous gain. But in my eyes it was his best performance yet. Receivers that rely too heavily on the big play, can often become boom or bust players. Jackson showed last week that he can put up impressive stats with simple consistent catches. He pulled down 8 grabs for 91 yards vs. the Chargers.
10) Marques Colston – NOR – WR, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun 1:00 PM
Colston started off the season with a Bang, but has quickly cooled in recent weeks. He’s coming off his worst 2-game stretch since entering the league: 3 catches, 62 yards and a fumble. He’s not been covered by shut-down corners, but opposing teams are beginning to game-plan for him. New Orleans is so super-saturated with play-makers, that even Colston’s targets are becoming diluted. He remains one of the best red-zone targets in the league. Expect a bounce back week vs. an anemic Bucs Defense.
11) Sidney Rice – MIN – WR, vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sun 1:00 PM
Sidney Rice has with out a doubt become Brett Favre’s favorite toy. He’s only hit pay-dirt once, but he’s accumulated games of 136, 176, and 201 yards. The touchdowns will come. Minny will play a Seattle team that was eaten up last week by the Cardinal receivers. Another solid performance is in store.
12) Vincent Jackson – SDC – WR, at Denver Broncos, Sun 4:15 PM
Vincent Jackson disappeared last week as Asante Samuel completely shut him down. The Philly corner was able to hold VJack to a measly 1 catch, 10 yard outing. Things don’t get much easier this week with Champ Bailey in coverage.
13) Anquan Boldin – ARI – WR, at St. Louis Rams, Sun 4:05 PM
Last week, many of our fellow brother-en were submitting questions (you should too – ITS FREE), and asking for some solid trade targets for the stretch run. Boldin was one of our buy-low suggestions. Fantasy Nation has quickly forgotten how absolutely dominant Q was in 2008. There is not a more physical receiver in football. Physicality leads to injury, as we all have witnessed this season, but if healthy there are few who are better. True, that is a big IF, but the Cards offense looks to be finally kicking. They have one of the more favorable schedules on the road to the playoffs.
14) Steve Smith – CAR – WR, vs. Miami Dolphins, Thu 8:20 PM
He’s BACK! Smith looks to return to form as Jake Delhomme has better protected the football as of late. Smitty suffered a rib injury while pulling down his second touchdown last week. He’s yet to appear on the injury report so all is a go for this evening. He’ll remain one of the most targeted players in the league. Go out and buy low but don’t expect too much next week vs. Darrell Revis.
15) Mike Sims-Walker – JAC – WR, vs. Buffalo Bills, Sun 1:00 PM
Mike Sims-Walker was the most recent victim of The Revis Effect. He was held to 2 catches for 23 yards while Revis was in coverage. He managed to sneak away from the shut-down corner for a play and that’s when he ripped off a 26 yard TD catch. MSW has pulled down 6 scores this season despite being a back up at the onset of the season and missing a game due to a late night booty call. He should have got at least a few points for violating curfew.
16) Chad Ochocinco – CIN – WR, at Oakland Raiders, Sun 4:15 PM
Ocho was held to only 2 catches last week. He’ll have an other difficult day vs. Oakland as he’ll draw Nnamdi Asomugha in coverage. The Raider corner is one of the best, but 85 should still manage to make some noise.
17) Steve Smith – NYG – WR, vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun 1:00 PM
If the Giants have any hopes of turning their season around, Eli Manning needs to get the ball into Smith’s hands. He’s another player that exploded onto the scene, but has just recently been brought back to earth. He has the ability to be both a reception machine and an efficient red-zone threat.
18) Hines Ward – PIT – WR, at Kansas City Chiefs, Sun 1:00 PM
After a nice two touchdown effort two weeks ago, Hines was held in check last week vs the Bengals. Pitt is in dire need of a bounce back. They’ll get to take their frustration out on a struggling Kansas City squad.
19) Donald Driver – GRE – WR, vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sun 1:00 PM
The whole world is searching for the Fountain of Youth. We need to start asking Donald Driver where it is. Those looking to justify Greg Jennings’ drop in production this season has been that Green Bay’s offensive line hasn’t bought Aaron Rodgers enough time to throw the ball deep. I’m not saying that, that’s untrue, but Driver seems to be catching his fair share of long shots down field. He once again is ranked ahead of this Packer counterpart until proven otherwise.
20) Miles Austin – DAL – WR, vs. Washington Redskins, Sun 1:00 PM
Austin has cooled down as fast as he heated up. Will this bipolar production continue? Dallas will host the Redskins who on paper have one of the better pass defenses in the game, but Brandon Marshall had a field day last week as he posted some serious stats. Austin could arrive back on the scene with a BOOM.
21) T.J. Houshmandzadeh – SEA – WR, at Minnesota Vikings, Sun 1:00 PM
Nate Burleson had looked as if he’d stolen the WR1 position in Seattle, but last week he vanished. Meanwhile, Housh was there to clean up. The former Bengal was targeted an amazing 17 times. Seattle’s porous defense will only help it’s receivers as the offense will often be forced to turn to the air in order to stay in games.
22) Greg Jennings – GRE – WR, vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sun 1:00 PM
Owners keep waiting…. and waiting…. and waiting for Jennings to perform like the player of 08. Will his stats ever warrant his high draft selection? As the season moves forward it’s looking more and more gloomy.
23) Devin Hester – CHI – WR, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sun 8:20 PM
Hester has his biggest challenge of the season as he draws the amazing Asante Samuel in coverage. Samuel was able to keep VJack in check, but Hester presents a different style of play. The Bears have been unable to harness Hester’s big-play ability. He’s been consistent all year long. If he can begin to find the end-zone he’ll start earning more respect.
24) Derrick Mason – BAL – WR, vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sun 1:00 PM
Mason remains the best passing option the Ravens have. He made a few amazing grabs on Monday night vs. the Browns. That’s not saying too much vs. the Browns, but he continues to defy Father Time and perform at a high level week in and week out. The Colt’s secondary has been banged up. Flacco has been experiencing a little bit of a sophomore slump as the Ravens have had one of the more difficult schedules this season.
25) Santonio Holmes – PIT – WR, at Kansas City Chiefs, Sun 1:00 PM
Holmes is surprisingly 8th in total yardage for WRs, but his stats have been less-impressive due to his lack of touchdowns. He’s been shut out of the end-zone since week one. Holmes lead all Steelers in receiving stats last week, and could have a solid stretch run it he’s able to steal back some deep looks from rookie Mike Wallace.
26) Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ – WR, at New England Patriots, Sun 4:15 PM
Cotchery is reported to have landed return duties for the Jets this week. He should get a slight bump in special team formats. He posted 6 catches for 68 yards in last weeks loss. The stat that’s impressive is that he was targeted 11 times. New England’s secondary is susceptible. They’ve played fairly well, but remain relatively young and inexperienced.
27) Steve Breaston – ARI – WR, at St. Louis Rams, Sun 4:05 PM
Breaston found the end-zone for the second consecutive week. A healthy Anquan Boldin should not effect the third wide-out’s production. He’s been held under 57 yards only once this season. Warner continues to do a solid job of peppering around his targets. The St Louis secondary is primed for picking on.
28) Nate Burleson – SEA – WR, at Minnesota Vikings, Sun 1:00 PM
What happened to Nate Burleson last week? After seemingly taking the WR1 role from Houhs, Burleson disappeared from the box score as he was held without a catch vs. the Cards. Did he play? Yes he did, but he only saw 5 targets to Housh’s 17. Don’t toss him away though, for he should bounce back vs. his former team this weekend.
29) Michael Crabtree – SFO – WR, at Green Bay Packers, Sun 1:00 PM
Crabtree will most likely see Charles Woodson in coverage this weekend. Woodson remains solid, but he’s not what he used to be. The rookie receiver has shown glimpses of flash, but has yet to have had that big play that we know he’s capable of. Will it come this week? Will he find the end-zone? Vernon Davis remains the teams best receiving option, but Mr. Crabtree will start making some noise as the season comes to a close.
30) Jeremy Maclin – PHI – WR, at Chicago Bears, Sun 8:20 PM
With DeSean Jackson drawing much of the defensive attention, Maclin has begun to start producing weekly stats. He’s scored in 2 out of the last 3 games.
31) Roy E. Williams – DAL – WR, vs. Washington Redskins, Sun 1:00 PM
We gave Roy Will the green light last week and he didn’t disappoint. Despite numerous dropped balls and a costly fumble, the ex-Lion was able to piece together a nice 1 TD, 100-plus yard effort. He’ll never bounce back to WR1 status, but if he can remedy the drops he could return back to being a solid WR2. He’s scored in 2 out of the last three weeks.
32) Lee Evans – BUF – WR, at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sun 1:00 PM
When you want to talk about fantasy bipolar disorder, look no further than Lee Evans. Owners will tell you – there is not a more frustrating fantasy wide-out in the game. He’ll blow up, then completely vanish. It’s not just this season – it’s every season. We were high on Evans last week and he showed why as he found the end-zone twice. He’s scored 4 touchdowns in his last 4 games. Not all is Evans’ fault as the merry-go-round at quarterback has not helped things. The Buffalo QBs still appear reluctant to throw the ball down field.
33) Percy Harvin – MIN – WR, vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sun 1:00 PM
Harvin continues to make his case for Rookie of the Year. He remains the front runner, but some of his fellow classmates are starting to draw attention. His special teams contributions should get him a bump in return formats. The Seattle defense is vulnerable.
34) Pierre Garcon – IND – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
Just as Austin Collie appeared to be pulling away, Garcon has made a come-back. He scored a very important touchdown in the Colts comeback victory over the Patriots. He’ll continue to battle his rookie counterpart for the affections of Peyton Manning.
35) Braylon Edwards – NYJ – WR, at New England Patriots, Sun 4:15 PM
I like Edwards’ chances of becoming a sneaky fantasy factor down the stretch. He’s continuing to see a solid dose of targets. Although his transition has been as fluid as possible, it’s important to remember that he’s still new to the team. His relationship with Sanchez has been established early. He dropped a TD last week, but that will come.
36) Donnie Avery – STL – WR, vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sun 4:05 PM
Avery put up surprisingly solid numbers vs. a stout Minny Defense. He was only targeted 6 times, but he pulled down 2 of them went for scores. He’s the best receiving option in an offense that is void of play-makers. The Rams will face the high-powered Cardinals this weekend. Marc Bulger will be forced to pass to compete.
37) Kevin Walter – HOU – WR, vs. Tennessee Titans, Mon 8:30 PM
Walter was one of my sneaky trade targets just before the deadline. He’ll be the main beneficiary of the injuries to Owen Daniels and Jacoby Jones. Walter has underrated size. At 6’3′, 220 lbs, he is a prototypical red-zone target. Many have soon forgotten that he pulled down 8 TDs last season. He’s a nice WR4 to have on your bench moving forward.
38) Terrell Owens – BUF – WR, at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sun 1:00 PM
We knew that it wouldn’t be long before we saw TO barking on the Buffalo side-lines. But after opening his mouth, he backed it up on the field with some impressive catches. The Bills have a nice match-up vs. the Jags who have been very fantasy friendly to opposing receivers.
39) Robert Meachem – NOR – WR, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun 1:00 PM
Meachem will continue to battle Devery Henderson for starting time. New Orleans does a fine job of rotating players in and out, but that does not help fantasy stats. If Meachem could become an every down starter, he’d become an every week fantasy play. He’s scored in three out of his last five outings. He could find pay-dirt once again this weekend vs. the Bucs.
40) Mike Wallace – PIT – WR, at Kansas City Chiefs, Sun 1:00 PM
The Bengals did a solid job of making the rookie speedster a non-factor. He was held to his worst statistical outing, pulling down only 1 catch for 16 yards. His real value comes in the form of the deep ball. Pitt has become more of a passing team and his usage in three-WR sets is becoming more consistent. A visit to Kansas City should provide a solid opportunity to bounce back.
41) Hakeem Nicks – NYG – WR, vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun 1:00 PM
After scoring in 4 straight contests, Nicks has been held out of the end-zone the last two weeks. The rookie appears to have better hands than Mario Manningham, but the two will continue to split WR2 duties.
42) Laveranues Coles – CIN – WR, at Oakland Raiders, Sun 4:15 PM
Coles was coming close to "dropable" status, but he’s turned things around as of late. He’s been able to hold off Andre Caldwell and appears to have solidified his WR2 role in the Cincy offense.
43) Santana Moss – WAS – WR, at Dallas Cowboys, Sun 1:00 PM
The Washington offense leaves much to be desired, but Betts appeared to spark some life into things. Washington is coming off of a solid win and looks to ride their momentum into Dallas. Santana will see Terrance Newman in coverage. Newman has played very well this season.
44) Malcom Floyd – SDC – WR, at Denver Broncos, Sun 4:15 PM
Size and stature don’t immediately turn to stats, but he has the frame that should lead to mis-matches.
45) Bernard Berrian – MIN – WR, vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sun 1:00 PM
His hammy continues to be hindering. He’s also had some tough drops.
46) Davone Bess – MIA – WR, at Carolina Panthers, Thu 8:20 PM
Bess is turning into a decent little PPR machine, but his yards per catch needs improving. Miami remains a run-first offense. QB Chad Henne is keeping things simple with short routes and dump off passes. He should continue to be the best Miami wide-out to own.
47) Eddie Royal – DEN – WR, vs. San Diego Chargers, Sun 4:15 PM
Royal continues to frustrate.
48) Earl Bennett – CHI – WR, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sun 8:20 PM
Bennett will continue to get his fair share of looks as Chicago lacks a consistent go-to-guy.
49) Austin Collie – IND – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
Collie will continue to make contributions on one of the most high powered offenses in the league.
50) Devery Henderson – NOR – WR, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun 1:00 PM
The saturation of play makers in New Orleans makes it difficult to continuously gauge their WRs. Henderson has benefitted from opposing defenses scheming to stop Colston. He’ll continue to rotate time with Meachem.
51) Torry Holt – JAC – WR, vs. Buffalo Bills, Sun 1:00 PM
He’ll have his games, but there are better/younger prospects out there.
52) Mario Manningham – NYG – WR, vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun 1:00 PM
Manningham has shown big-play ability but hes also shown the ability to drop balls. Nicks should start to pull away and see more starting time.
53) Nate Washington – TEN – WR, at Houston Texans, Mon 8:30 PM
Washington’s deep speed has not been taken advantage of. Vince Young has the arm to get it to him, but with Chris Johnson completely taking games over – there has been little need to stretch the field.
54) Mark Clayton – BAL – WR, vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sun 1:00 PM
Flacco has been struggling. Clayton needs to provide some relief.
55) Patrick Crayton – DAL – WR, vs. Washington Redskins, Sun 1:00 PM
Crayton has done quite well for himself since being demoted.
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