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After scoring 21.2 PPR points and finishing as a WR1 in Week 1, there was a lot of excitement over Antonio Brown's fantasy potential in Tampa Bay. That hype only grew when he had consecutive top-six finishes in Weeks 5 and 6, respectively.
However, following a finish as the WR6 in Week 6, Brown suffered an ankle injury that kept him out for several weeks. During the rehab process, he also was suspended by the NFL for using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, adding another element to what has been a roller-coaster season for him, as well as his fantasy managers.
Is Antonio Brown returning this week? If so, what impact can he make for fantasy managers in a critical playoffs week? Let us take a look!
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Is Antonio Brown Playing In Week 16 Against The Panthers
After dealing with an ankle injury for the past few weeks, and a suspension from the NFL, Antonio Brown is expected to make his return in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. There had been some speculation that Brown could be released following his suspension. Head coach Bruce Arians stated last year that one mistake would get Brown cut, but that does not appear to be the case:
"It's in the best interest of our football team ... both those guys have served their time and we welcome them back."
Bucs coach Bruce Arians says Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards will rejoin the team next week. pic.twitter.com/WMC0PIedVr
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) December 20, 2021
It appears that Brown is fully recovered from his ankle injury, meaning he should be a full go in Week 16 against the Panthers. His three-game suspension is now served, and the Bucs appear excited to get him back for the stretch run of the season.
Should I Start Antonio Brown in Week 16?
Long story short, the answer is "yes" -- after a multi-week absence, fantasy managers should start Brown in Week 16 against the Panthers. The Buccaneers are incredibly short-handed at wide receiver right now. Chris Godwin is out for the year with a torn ACL, while Mike Evans is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, per multiple reports.
Heck, even running back Leonard Fournette, who has more receptions than Evans this year, is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury. They need help in terms of finding viable pass-catchers for Tom Brady. and Brown more than meets that criteria.
Even with Godwin and Evans in the fold, Brown's targets and PFF expected fantasy points over his last three games were quite strong:
- Week 4: 11 targets, 13.9 expected points
- Week 5: 8 targets, 13.4 expected points
- Week 6: 13 targets, 18.5 expected points
Tom Brady has always loved to target his slot receiver, and that is where Brown will line up for the rest of the year with Godwin injured. As the potential #1 pass catcher in a pass-heavy, elite offense, I would insert him as a low-end WR1 if Evans is out, and a WR2 if he plays. This is a very talented player in a premium spot, and, if all goes as planned, he can be a league-winner for your team this season.
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