Deeper PPR Value: Cecil Shorts

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues

OWNED IN: 14% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Texans’ ugly Week 10 game against the Bengals was Shorts’ first action since Week 6 thanks to a hamstring injury. Before Week 6 he had a shoulder injury. In the five games prior to Week 10 that he had appeared in, Shorts averaged nine targets per game thanks to an offense that frequently finds itself in catchup mode. The Texans also lack a real running game. It isn’t the most efficient passing attack, but what they lack in concision they make up for in volume.

Week 10 only saw Shorts get three catches for 16 yards, but he still got seven targets on the day. DeAndre Hopkins dominated with 11 targets, but Shorts was second on the team. Shorts appears to be more of the short to intermediate option in the Texans’ offense. Hopkins does everything. Nate Washington seems to be the guy who runs the longer routes. Shorts averages 10.9 yards per reception, but has 130 of his 315 receiving yards coming after the catch. So he gets around 6.5 yards per catch with where he actually receives the ball. Couple this knowledge with his one touchdown on the year and you’ve got a guy who definitely profiles more as a PPR league option. If you need some wide receiver relief, Shorts is a pretty solid pickup that is available in many leagues.