Posted by Sean in Ranks,Wide Receivers on Oct 8th 2010 and last modified on Oct 9th 2010. (Print This)
Frustrated with Pierre Garcon? He may get a chance to bounce back if Austin Collie sits.
The talent pool depletes as the bye weeks kick in and teams are scrounging for band-aid fill-ins as they find their studs on the sideline. There are injuries that need to be monitored. Andre Johnson appears ready to return to the field though he’s not at 100%. Austin Collie has been absent from practice the last two days nursing a foot injury. His status for this weekend’s match-up is in question. Pierre Garcon may finally return from his hamstring injury just in time to potentially step back into the starting lineup if Collie is forced to sit.
On the Rise: Kenny Britt should begin to step up in Justin Gage’s absence. Hopefully he’s put his immaturity behind him. He’s found the end-zone twice and pulled down a 2 point conversion in his limited time already. He’s worth a pick up if he’s been dropped in your league.
Terrell Owens stepped back into fantasy relevance last week as he exploded with his 200-plus yard performance. Prior to last week’s game he started complaining. Usually complaining gets you no where, but in T.O.’s case, it made him last week’s top scorer. He’s been seeing consistent targets, but his early season lack of production was more due to Carson Palmer’s inaccuracy than Owens’ ability to perform. Brandon Lloyd seems to have finally found a home in Denver. Kyle Orton is for real. Moreno’s return will allow the team to become more balanced, but Lloyd has managed to surpass 100 receiving yards in 3 out of the 4 games played. Santonio Holmeswill make his 2010 debut vs. the Vikes this weekend. He’ll provide Mark Sanchez with a true deep threat.
Bye Week Bargains: Davonne Bess and Brandon Tateboth find themselves on byes, but should be owned in all formats. Both get bumps in return formats and should see increased roles moving forward. If they were left undrafted or dropped to free-up roster spots for the bye – they are worth the investment. Bess gets a bump in PPR formats while Tate should be a special teams steal.
On the Fall: All Chicago receivers will struggle with Todd Collins under-center. Johnny Knox and Devin Hester have under-performed with Jay Cutler at the helm. The offensive line is porous and will leave who ever is calling the signals susceptible to multiple sacks per game. Robert Mecheam and Devery Henderson appear to have taken a back seat to Lance Moore who has performed impressively in weeks 3 & 4.
1) Roddy White – ATL – WR, at Cleveland Browns, Sun 1:00 PM
No one is playing with more consistency than Roddy White. He has enough complimentary play-makers to alleviate defensive attention, but not enough to dilute targets. Matt Ryan is very reliant on his WR1. Tony Gonzalez is effective enough to assist in drawing coverage away, but not good enough to be the primary.
2) Reggie Wayne – IND – WR, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sun 1:00 PM
There is nothing worse than game-day stress: Who do is sit? Who do I start? Reggie Wayne is as stress-free as they come. Plug-in and play superstars are becoming a scarcity. Your trigger finger will never quiver Sunday mornings when you submit Wayne into your starting lineup. Fantasy piece of mind… Priceless!
3) Calvin Johnson – DET – WR, vs. St. Louis Rams, Sun 1:00 PM
Megatron finally had a game that we all know that he is capable of. Shaun Hill has played very well in Matt Stafford’s absence, but his reliance on his TE’s has taken away from Calvin’s production. There is a correlation between Calvin’s highest game totals and Jahvid Best’s return. The fate of Detroit’s top-two play-makers are tied at the hip: One will open up things for the other.
4) Miles Austin – DAL – WR, vs. Tennessee Titans, Sun 4:15 PM
Austin left us with a bad taste in our mouth heading into the bye, but a bounce back is expected. Roy Williams has finally started to step up. There is no doubt that Austin is the team’s most talented player, but Dez, Roy and Witten will demand their fair share of targets. The offense has been recently characterized as being “too slow”. If they plan on remedying the problem, Austin has to be part of the solution.
5) Hakeem Nicks – NYG – WR, at Houston Texans, Sun 1:00 PM
Hakeem Nicks proved last week that he’s not solely reliant on finding the end-zone to produce fantasy stats. He’s by far the best player in New York’s aerial attack. Eli Manning has struggled thus far this season, but he’s been able to identify his WR1. He should continue to mature and produce solid fantasy numbers.
6) Andre Johnson – HOU – WR, vs. New York Giants, Sun 1:00 PM
Andre owners missed his production in Week 4, but the week of rest was needed to help insure elite stats for the long hall. He’s involvement in drills is slowly improving. It may be another week until we get the production we expect. Jacoby Jones’ and Owen Daniels’ injury will hopefully push his need to return forward, but the effectiveness of Houston’s running game has lowered the team’s reliance on Matt Schaub’s arm. Andre’s role will remain constant regardless. Opposing defenses having to game plan for Arian Foster may decrease a target or two, but it should also hold the safeties in place to allow some separation.
7) Greg Jennings – GRE – WR, at Washington Redskins, Sun 1:00 PM
Jennings will benefit from another favorable match-up, but his grip on the headlining role in the Green Bay offense is not as tight as preseason expectations. Finley appears to be Rodgers’ favorite target and Donald Driver is once again exceeding expectations. That being said, he’s the WR1 on one of the best offenses in the league. Their lack of a ground game will continue to force the team to win on the arm of Aaron Rodgers. He’ll continually produce, but his ceiling may never be reached with the amount of talent surrounding him.
8) Anquan Boldin – BAL – WR, vs. Denver Broncos, Sun 1:00 PM
Boldin appears to be a born Raven. His brutish style fits immaculately with the teams hardened reputation. The Bronco’s have been prone to shootouts. Boldin should continue to see a ton of targets. His role in the passing game is one of the major reasons Ray Rice’s numbers have struggled. Champ Bailey poses reason for concern, but Boldin should continue to produce.
9) Austin Collie – IND – WR, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sun 1:00 PM
Pierre Garcon may make his return this week, but Collie’s contributions have solidified his role as Indy’s WR2. Collie will continue to move the chains. His continual role growth in the red-zone makes him a weekly top 10 producer.
10) Randy Moss – MIN – WR, at New York Jets, Mon 8:30 PM
Randy Moss has the misfortune of being traded to the Vikes just in time to square of with Darrelle Revis and the Jets. There will be some transitional rustiness, but there’s not much to a Favre-to-Moss deep ball. Adrian Peterson will demand run support from the safeties, allowing Moss to exploit single coverage down the side-line. Moss owners make out for he’ll have no bye – bolstering his season totals, but his zero catch performance vs. the Dolphins last week essentially was his week off.
11) Larry Fitzgerald – ARI – WR, vs. New Orleans Saints, Sun 4:05 PM
Hopefully the change at quarterback will assist in Fitz fantasy contributions. Beanie Wells and the ground game needs to provide balance in order to losen coverage. Fitzgerald’s talent is being highly under-utilized due the ineffectiveness at the quarterback position.
12) Donald Driver – GRE – WR, at Washington Redskins, Sun 1:00 PM
Driver continues to play at a high level. He’s a solid weekly play and has once again played better than his age would suggest. He’s not done making those Lambeau leaps. Aaron Rodgers has done a solid job of spreading the ball around. He’s not locking in on one specific play-maker. Jordy Nelson and James Jones continue to be held off by the seasoned vet. Ryan Grant’s injury has made the team one dimensional.
13) DeSean Jackson – PHI – WR, at San Francisco 49ers, Sun 8:20 PM
Kevin Kolb’s inability to feed his speedsters deep will lower DeSean Jackson’s and Jeremy Maclin’s value. Philly’s O.C. kept things simple for the struggling Kolb, allowing him short dump offs to his running backs and TEs. If LeSean McCoy cannot play, Kolb will have to find away to get his superstars involved.
14) Chad Ochocinco – CIN – WR, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun 1:00 PM
15) Santana Moss – WAS – WR, vs. Green Bay Packers, Sun 1:00 PM
McNabb’s return to Philly was not all what it was built up to be. Mike Vick’s injury took over most of the headlines. The Skins won the game, but it wasn’t on the arm of McNabb. Santana Moss was a non-factor and failed to record a single catch. We’ll write off last week as a fluke.
16) Steve Smith – NYG – WR, at Houston Texans, Sun 1:00 PM
17) Marques Colston – NOR – WR, at Arizona Cardinals, Sun 4:05 PM
Where is Marques Colston? The talent is present but the targets are not. You would think that Pierre Thomas’ injury would lead to an increase in usage of the wide-out, but his sub-par performances are becoming expected. We still believe that he can rebound, but something has to change.
18) Eddie Royal – DEN – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
19) Brandon Lloyd – DEN – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
Lloyd has proven to be no one-week-wonder. He’s surpassed 100 yards in three out of the first four games. He’s surpassed both Gaffneyand Thomas on the depth chart and has won the affection of Kyle Orton. He’s piled up an impressive 25 catches. The journeyman seems to have finally found a home in Denver.
20) Mark Clayton – STL – WR, at Detroit Lions, Sun 1:00 PM
Mark Clayton has become a weekly solid start. The Rams have a favorable match-up this week vs. Detroit. His stats have been consistent. This is not a fluke, it’s a trend. Play him with confidence. Bradford is exceeding expectations. Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson will do their best in supporting roles, but Clayton is the clear WR1.
21) Terrell Owens – CIN – WR, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun 1:00 PM
Welcome Back! T.O. finally showed up and put up incredible numbers last week vs. the Browns. Cincy should have continued passing success vs. the Bucs. Owens’ struggles were more to do with his quarterback than himself. He finally spoke up last week and was rewarded. He’s still has the talent to be an every week contributor.
22) Percy Harvin – MIN – WR, at New York Jets, Mon 8:30 PM
Percy Harvin will benefit hugely from the Viking’s acquisition of Randy Moss. Percy is a complimentary player, not a headliner. He’s a utility man that functions best under the wing of a premiere play-maker. Moss will change the entire field and all will reap the rewards. Moss’ presence will allow Minny to be more creative in their use of Percy Harvin. His stock instantly gets a bump.
23) Lance Moore – NOR – WR, at Arizona Cardinals, Sun 4:05 PM
If Moore hadn’t fumbled at the goal-line last week, his stat line would be even more impressive. Moore has pulled down 11 catches over the past two weeks and has found the end-zone 3 times. He’s leap-frogged Devery Henderson and Robert Meahem on the pecking order. He’s shown flashes of his 08 production.
24) Malcom Floyd – SDC – WR, at Oakland Raiders, Sun 4:15 PM
Floyd disappointed last week as Antonio Gates and the Charger running game took over. His 2 receptions left much to be desired. He’ll most likely draw Nnamdi Asomugha in coverage so his ceiling may be limited. He’ll continue to play second fiddle to the Bolt’s elite TE.
25) Michael Crabtree – SFO – WR, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sun 8:20 PM
Crabtree finally showed flashes of his talent that we’ve been waiting for. The change at offensive coordinator should give the Niners a clean slate to start from. He needs to start playing as big as his ego. His production should continue to rise. He’s a potentially worth while buy-low prospect.
26) Jeremy Maclin – PHI – WR, at San Francisco 49ers, Sun 8:20 PM
Maclin’s stock took an immediate hit the second that Michael Vick went down. We’ll give Kevin Kolb sometime, but don’t expect this week 1-3 production. The timetable on Vick’s return remains foggy, but Andy Reid has committed to him as the starter no matter how well Kolb performs in his absence.
27) Kevin Walter – HOU – WR, vs. New York Giants, Sun 1:00 PM
Walter disappointed last week in Andre’s absence. If Johnson can take the field against the Giants, Walter should have better success. He’s found the end-zone three times already, but aside from his Week 2 explosion, he’s been held at or under 35 yards in each game.
28) Mike Williams – TAM – WR, at Cincinnati Bengals, Sun 1:00 PM
He’s the WR1 in Tampa, but that isn’t saying much. Scoring in his first two games as a pro is. Cincy should do a decent job defending, but Williams appears to be the only bright spot for the Bucs.
29) Santonio Holmes – NYJ – WR, vs. Minnesota Vikings, Mon 8:30 PM
Holmes instantaneously becomes the Jets best receiver. True, Braylon Edwards has performed above expectations, but Holmes is the far superior talent. It may take a week or two to kick off the rust, but he’ll soon become Mark Sanchez’s favorite down-field target.
30) Kenny Britt – TEN – WR, at Dallas Cowboys, Sun 4:15 PM
Britt shot himself in the foot this off season with his laziness and immaturity. Justin Gage’s injury will give him the opportunity to make amends for it. If you’ve been patient, it could pay off if Britt begins to take football seriously.
31) Pierre Garcon – IND – WR, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sun 1:00 PM
Garcon has not been missed. Austin Collie’s play has made Garcon an afterthought, but Collie has missed the last two days of practice with a foot injury. Timing is everything and Garcon’s timing could be key if Austin sits. He started off last season slow. Hopefully deja vu occurs and he’s able to bounce back.
32) Johnny Knox – CHI – WR, at Carolina Panthers, Sun 1:00 PM
Todd Collins has been named the starter for the Bears this week. Lower all your expectations for Chicago’s pass-catchers.
33) Braylon Edwards – NYJ – WR, vs. Minnesota Vikings, Mon 8:30 PM
I hate the guy, but he’s managed to pull down three scores in four games. It will be interesting to see how the addition of Santonio Holmes impacts Edwards value. With LT playing well, and the upgrade from Cotchery to Holmes – The Jets offense is looking better and better.
34) Dez Bryant – DAL – WR, vs. Tennessee Titans, Sun 4:15 PM
Everyone expected Bryant to simply walk into the starting lineup, but Roy E. Williams is finally putting together some production. The rookies pre-season injury derailed his hype train, but his evolution is inevitable. For now he’s just another piece of the puzzle, but he should separate himself with time.
35) Dwayne Bowe – KAN – WR, at Indianapolis Colts, Sun 1:00 PM
Bowe has done nothing thus far. To be fair it’s really not his fault. Matt Cassal is not what he perceived to be. The Chief’s passing attack is non-existent. Bowe’s one visit to the end-zone was off of a trick play. He’ll be going up against a Colts’ D that’s been extremely generous to opposing wide-outs. Kansas City has relied heavily on their ground game and defense to win games. They’ll have to go to the air if they hope to stay with the Colts who will be looking for blood after last week’s upset to the Jags.
36) Mike Sims-Walker – JAC – WR, at Buffalo Bills, Sun 1:00 PM
Supposedly he’s not in DelRio’s doghouse, but he’s in ours. His Week 2 performance led owners to believe that he was worthy of his draft spot. Three weeks later he’s no where to be found. Teammate Mike Thomas has proven to be more valuable. MSW was streaky last season, but this is getting ridiculous.
37) Roy E. Williams – DAL – WR, vs. Tennessee Titans, Sun 4:15 PM
Williams was tagged and shelfed as a certifiable “bust” and then all of a sudden blew up. His 5 catch, 117 yard, 2 TD game against the Texans showed that the guy still has talent in the tank. Dez Bryant is the better prospect, but Williams doesn’t appear to be heading to the bench without a fight.
38) Derrick Mason – BAL – WR, vs. Denver Broncos, Sun 1:00 PM
Mason had his best game of the season last week, but has clearly lost a step over the offseason. Boldin will remain Baltimore’s go-to-guy, but Mason should piece together some sneaky stats vs. opposing team’s inferior covermen.
39) Mike Thomas – JAC – WR, at Buffalo Bills, Sun 1:00 PM
Consistency in fantasy is important. I’ll take a decent day, every week over a hot and cold player. The Jags offense looked decent last week vs. the Colts. They are no where near good, but it was inspiring to see MJD and the gang finally beat the Colts. Thomas does not have the ability to takeover games, but he does have the intangibles to be a weekly contributor.
40) Mario Manningham – NYG – WR, at Houston Texans, Sun 1:00 PM
Manningham has played very well thus far, but as expected, Hakeem Nicks is starting to separate himself from the bunch.
41) Nate Washington – TEN – WR, at Dallas Cowboys, Sun 4:15 PM
Britt should elevate into the WR1 role, but Washington should still see some targets. Chris Johnson has been held in check thus far. The Titans’ D is not what it used to be. This combination will lead to the need to throw more than they’d like. They remain a run-first team, but Vince Young will be forced to throw more in order to win. Washington is nothing more than a bye week fill in right now.
42) Jabar Gaffney – DEN – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
43) Danny Amendola – STL – WR, at Detroit Lions, Sun 1:00 PM
Amendola can serve as a low end WR3 play on a weekly basis. He’s no stud by any means, but he’s a decent band-aid for bye weeks.
44) Jacoby Jones – HOU – WR, vs. New York Giants, Sun 1:00 PM
His status for Week 5 is in question with a calf strain. Be sure to have alternatives in place. He’ll lose looks if he’s hampered and to the running game.
45) Legedu Naanee – SDC – WR, at Oakland Raiders, Sun 4:15 PM
“Naanee” translated in to “nothing” last week. He’s done little since his Week 1 performance. With Floyd seeing Nnamdi in coverage – Rivers may look his way a little more.
46) Devin Hester – CHI – WR, at Carolina Panthers, Sun 1:00 PM
Hester struggled with Jay Cutler at the helm, never mind Todd Collins.
47) Lee Evans – BUF – WR, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sun 1:00 PM
I would love to simply cut this guy out of our database and leave him unranked each week, but the Jags are very charitable to opposing pass-catchers. If he’s gonna produce, it’s gonna be this week. He’s far from a sure thing, but if you’re desperate – this may be the 1 week Evans is worth it.
48) Dexter McCluster – KAN – WR, at Indianapolis Colts, Sun 1:00 PM
The Chiefs need to find a way to get this guy more involved. He’s a sexy play, but his touch count needs to be a little more consistent before he can be counted upon.
49) Louis Murphy – OAK – WR, vs. San Diego Chargers, Sun 4:15 PM
Louis Murphy was clearly hampered by his clavicle injury. He suited up last week, but was far from effective. Zach Miller reaped the benefits. One week later, he should be a little more effective, but I’d wait until he provides you with numbers before you insert him into your starting line up.
50) Robert Meachem – NOR – WR, at Arizona Cardinals, Sun 4:05 PM
51) Devery Henderson – NOR – WR, at Arizona Cardinals, Sun 4:05 PM
52) Demaryius Thomas – DEN – WR, at Baltimore Ravens, Sun 1:00 PM
Thomas’ role in the offense is foggy. He’s contibutions on special teams gives him a boost in return formats, but also may indicate that he’ll take a lesser role in the passing game. Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal appear to be the front runners with Jabar Gaffney and Thomas playing supporting roles.
53) Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ – WR, vs. Minnesota Vikings, Mon 8:30 PM
54) Earl Bennett – CHI – WR, at Carolina Panthers, Sun 1:00 PM
55) Bernard Berrian – MIN – WR, at New York Jets, Mon 8:30 PM
56) Jordan Shipley – CIN – WR, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sun 1:00 PM
57) Josh Cribbs – CLE – WR, vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun 1:00 PM
58) Steve Johnson – BUF – WR, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sun 1:00 PM
59) Darrius Heyward-Bey – OAK – WR, vs. San Diego Chargers, Sun 4:15 PM
60) Chris Chambers – KAN – WR, at Indianapolis Colts, Sun 1:00 PM
61) T.J. Houshmandzadeh – BAL – WR, vs. Denver Broncos, Sun 1:00 PM
62) Josh Morgan – SFO – WR, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sun 8:20 PM
63) Jordy Nelson – GRE – WR, at Washington Redskins, Sun 1:00 PM
64) Mohamed Massaquoi – CLE – WR, vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun 1:00 PM
65) Devin Aromashodu – CHI – WR, at Carolina Panthers, Sun 1:00 PM
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