Russell Gage (WR, ATL) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Although Russell Gage keeps racking more and more snaps by the week, the production has been a little disappointing. An increase in volume was always expected after Mo Sanu’s trade to the Patriots, but Gage has yet to reach 60 receiving yards or score a touchdown in the ex-Falcons receiver absence. This past weekend in a good matchup on paper against the Panthers, Gage could only catch two passes (four targets) for 32 yards and a fantasy score of only 5.2 points.

Gage had his best game of the season in Week 8 facing Seattle once he was slotted as the WR3 for the first time in the year. He hauled in seven passes on nine targets and was able to finish with his season-best in yardage to the tune of 58 receiving yards and a fantasy tally of 12.8 points. After coming back from Atlanta’s bye, though, he has only been able to score 6.3 and 5.2 points.

As always happens in fantasy football, though, volume is key and as long as Gage keeps seeing five targets per game at least he should produce a little bit more than he’s done in his last two games. Matt Ryan is back and healthy at the helm and he’s one of the best passers in the league due to the yardage he generates through his throws. That should benefit Gage and boost his upside even if he shares the field with studs Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.

The three games Atlanta has ahead are all favorable matchups for wide receivers. In fact, Tampa Bay ranks last in defending the position and Carolina is the fifth-worst team at it. If you play in a deep league and need alternatives for one or two of your flex spots then Gage sounds like a reasonable addition if only because he will be facing lesser defenders (Jones and Ridley will be the defenses’ main focus) and has shown he could reach up to 15 or more points with his receiving--and the potential bonus of scoring his first touchdown.