Guys Worth a Look
1. Mike “who the @#$%” Thomas-which Jaguars receiver has the most targets over the last three weeks? Holt? Wrong. Sims-Walker? Wrong. Mike Thomas lead all Jags receivers in week 8 with seven targets, comprising 14% of all offensive looks. Holt weighed in with six targets and Sims-Walker a measly three. For the year, Holt leads the Jags receivers with 55 targets, Sims-Walker is second with 45, and Thomas is third with 30. However, over the past three games, Thomas has been consistent, yielding around 8.5 fantasy points in standard formats and leading the Jags with 17 targets. Thomas is one you want to grab as Holt is old and Sims-Walker has head case written all over him. He should be available in most leagues.
2. Johnny Knox-at this point in the year, the electrifying return man is not much of a secret, but the good news about Knox is he is developing some consistency in the offense. Over the last four games, Knox has two receiving touchdowns and is averaging about four receptions and 44 receiving yards per game over that span. He received 5 targets last week, second behind Hester, and looks to get more and more involved as the year goes on.
3. Sammie Stroughter-The only problem Sammie has (aside from being the only person in the country with the last name Stroughter) is that he plays for the Bucs. Out of the spotlight all year, Stroughter has emerged as a solid number two receiver for the hapless Bucs. My bold prediction is if the Bucs would simply choose which third rate quarterback to start, they could have a halfway decent offense. Williams runs hard, Ward is versatile, and Bryant is serviceable. Stroughter has actually been competitive with Bryant in terms of targets (eight to Bryant’s nine last game) and has averaged three receptions for 64 yards over the last two games. I wouldn’t tell you to waste a waiver claim lower than 10 on him, but he is one to keep an eye on.
4. Malcom Floyd-with Chambers out of dodge it is a safe bet to lock Floyd in as the number two receiver on a pass happy Chargers offense. While Jackson is clearly the one and only “stud” in the receiving core, Floyd has shown promise as a big play guy. Last week, Floyd had five targets (second behind Jackson) hauling in two passes for 64 yards. It should also be encouraging to know that Floyd was on the receiving end of a 53 yard reception and you know Rivers throws the deep ball like poor people buy lottery tickets.
5. Hakeem Nicks-over the last four games Nicks has put a chink in Manningham’s armor. Over that span, Nicks averaged four receptions for 74 yards and hauled in three touchdowns. In that same stretch, Manningham hauled in two touchdowns and had an average of three receptions for 44 yards. Also, it seems like Manningham leaves a big play on the field every week which I’m sure does not bode well with Giants coaches. Nicks had five targets last week and he looks like a safe bet as Eli’s #2 man, which arguably makes him a must play WR3 or flex option.
6. Percy Harvin-Harvin played Atari (Bigby) like he was a game of “Frogger.” In fact, Bigby looked like he was on the receiving end of a 2D Mac Truck as Harvin (the frog) escaped safely to the other side. For those of you too young to appreciate Atari, what I’m trying to say is Harvin is a stud. Therefore, he will not be available in most leagues. However, with The Vikes on a bye, look to trade with a desperate owner who needs to fill a slot in order to maintain a shot at the playoffs. The Vikings have been amorphous this year when it comes to figuring out who the number one receiver is. Up to this point in the season, Harvin has 54 targets, Rice has 56, and Berrian 49. However, over the last two games, Harvin has led all Viking receivers with 19 targets (Rice had 18, Berrian 9). The biggest difference between Harvin and the other receivers is clearly Harvin’s explosiveness. Harvin also has value as a runner in their wildcat formation and over the past four weeks, Harvin is averaging four receptions for 50 yards a game. In my opinion, of the three receivers, Harvin is the safest one to start week to week.
7. Jerricho Cotchery– Jerricho’s injury was certainly a kick to the Crotchery but those of you who were smart enough to hold on to him will now start to reap the benefits. Last week he was tied for targets with Braylon Edwards with nine, including a look in the red zone. Cotchery also reminded us of his big play capability as he hauled in a 53 yard reception and finished the game with three catches for 70 yards. In my opinion, Edwards increases Cotchery’s value because teams will no longer be able to stick their best corner on Cotchery and come over the top with a safety. Look for Cotchery’s role to increase and I would bet that if he stays healthy, he will be the most productive Jets receiver the rest of the year.
F.Y.I. Target Comparisons
Arizona-Boldin 6, Breaston 9
Seattle-Houshmandzadeh 6, Burleson 12
San Francisco-Morgan 2, Crabtree 9, Bruce 8
New Orleans-Colston 6, Henderson 6
Green Bay-Jennings 12, Driver 11, Jones 5
Detroit-Northcutt 5 (0 catches with 2nd most receiver targets)
Buffalo-Evans 2, Reed 4
