The wide receiver position is where things could begin to get crazy. Unlike the running back position where there is a clear leader in each backfield, some teams could have three or four viable candidates each week. Of course there are other teams that barely have any useful options at the position but you can go in multiple directions here. Do you spend up and take the true number one receiver? Or do you go for reliability in volume or touchdown and big play upside?
Ideally you would look for a balance of each of those characteristics but how you chose to construct your roster at the other positions will play a role in what direction you ultimately go in. Looking for values, and you will see that some are available, is key here. This is in addition to the standard practices of reviewing past performance, looking at game script, and digging into the opposing defense among other things. With respect to the opposing defense and one on one matchups against opposing cornerbacks, this is something that will come into clearer focus as the season progresses.
For those who have yet to subscribe, what are you waiting for? Until then you will get one free pick to whet your appetite. There are only so many targets to go around in an offense and with Kenny Golladay expected to be limited at best with a hamstring injury, that should stand to benefit Marvin Jones ($5,500 DK, $6,200 FD). Even with Golladay at full strength there is still value in Jones as he plays a large part in Detroit’s offense. Despite being limited by injury last season he still caught 62 passes for 779 yards and nine touchdowns. The chemistry is apparent between Jones and Matthew Stafford and the potential for a big day is here with a reasonable floor as well. With nine targets inside the 10-yard line last season, the probability for a touchdown is high here.
Behind the paywall, we will continue to take a closer look at some more wide receivers who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the bank either which will leave plenty of room for help at other positions. So, keep on going and take a look at what we have to offer.
With no preseason we are operating sight unseen with Bryan Edwards ($4,200 DK, $4,500 FD) but at the price he does fit nicely into your lineup. Las Vegas is the land of opportunity for young receivers this season and Tyrell Williams being out for the season only helps to further that cause. With no veterans present to take his targets the rookie is prime position to take advantage of a good matchup against Carolina this week. Edwards will be starting on the outside as he looks to take the next step after gaining more than 3,000 receiving yards in college while showing a knack for reaching the end zone. Were it not for a broken foot causing him to miss the combine, Edwards likely would have been drafted earlier than 81st overall and therefore would have had more buzz surrounding him. All indications from training camp this summer are positive regarding Edwards as well.
In seasonal drafts this summer it was commonplace to see Tyler Lockett be drafted a round or two prior to DK Metcalf ($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) in most drafts. Facing Atlanta in what figures to be both a close and high scoring game against a weak defense should allow Metcalf to start his sophomore season on a high note. The big play threat caught 58 passes last season for 900 yards and seven touchdowns before exploding in the playoffs against Philadelphia with 160 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. Metcalf is a big play threat who was also targeted 18 times in the red zone last year and who spent a good amount of time this summer working out with Russell Wilson.What is not to like here?
Another second year receiver with less buzz and a cheaper price tag could make an impact this week as well. Prior to tearing his ACL, Preston Williams ($4,500 DK, $5,300 FD) had a solid debut with 32 catches for 428 yards and three touchdowns on a bad Miami team. With veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick starting the season under center there should be plenty of downfield action for Williams and that is especially true this week as the Dolphins are touchdown underdogs against a New England team that has lost some pieces to their defense from last season. DeVante Parker dealing with a hamstring injury works in Williams’ favor as does the fact that due to COVID-19 opt outs, Miami is thin at the receiver position to start the season.
It doesn’t get much better at the wide receiver position than Michael Thomas ($9,000 DK, $8,800 FD). Thomas is going to cost you but with a slew of more reasonably priced options it makes fitting the best wide receiver in the game into your lineup a little easier. All Thomas did last season was catch 149 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. If you needed anymore convincing, the Saints are at home this week and set to face Tampa Bay in what will be both a high scoring and close game.
Despite that fact, I am looking to fade Mike Evans ($6,900 DK, $7,500 FD) this week as one of the more expensive options on the slate. While the over/under suggests a lot of offense, and I do believe that will occur, I’m not sure how much of that production will go to Evans. He didn’t practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury that appears to be giving him some problems. Additionally, despite the work Tom Brady has put in this off-season, it is a new offense and the increased focus on throwing downfield is new for the veteran quarterback. With more questions than answers, the money could be spent a little more wisely this week. This also makes the pivot to Chris Godwin($7,100 DK, $7,700 FD). The price is high, but the volume will be there.
Another receiver in roughly the same price tier that we are also staying away from is Adam Thielen($6,700 DK, $6,800 FD). With a hamstring injury limiting him to just 30 receptions for 418 yards and six touchdowns last year, 2019 was a lost season for Thielen although he did recover to gain 129 yards on seven receptions in the playoffs. Last season Minnesota had a run heavy offense and with no Stefon Diggs across the field defenses will have an easier time keying in on Thielen. And at his price I want to wait a week to see what Minnesota’s offense looks like before committing to Thielen.
