RADIO
After several weeks of discussing some low-end names at wide receiver, it's looking like it's time to revisit some more eyebrow-raising players at the position. There's one name in particular that's become a cause for concern given the team's injury history this season but the other two managed to play themselves up into fantasy relevance this season. You don't have to be a highly drafted player to obtain fantasy stardom.
Alright, I suppose I'm exaggerating a little but like I've said countless times before, analyzing wide receivers as far as panic mode is concerned is a lot more difficult than running backs. The top notch players are typically less sporadic while the flashes in the pan tend to sizzle out quicker. That said, these are players that were thought to be reliable at one point or another this year.
I would also like to take a second to point out that there are a number of players that are still having concerning seasons but won't be revisited in Warning Signals any time soon. Guys like Randall Cobb and Demaryius Thomas are what they are right now so it wouldn't really do you much good if I keep discussing the same group of receivers every week. If you want a quick one sentence update on those two particular wideouts here it is: Randall Cobb is himself a disappointing season in what is now a struggling Green Bay offense while Demaryius Thomas will continue to struggle to find the endzone now that Brock Osweiller is under center. There you have it.
Wide Receivers Sending Out Warning Signals
Dez Bryant – WR, DAL
This should be the very last time you'll have to worry about Dez Bryant's productivity for the rest of 2015. With quarterback Tony Romo returning this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, Dez should be locked right back into the top five at wide receiver. Not only was he dealing with abysmal quarterback play from the likes of Matt Cassel and Brandon Wedden but Bryant was also coming back from an injury of his own. A foot injury to an athletic wide receiver of Bryant's caliber is enough of a fantasy headache to deal with on its own so having a below average QB is an additional kink in the armor.
Believe it or not, the NFC East is so terrible that the Cowboys aren't even technically out of the race yet. I'm sure as hell not picking them to win the division but that tells me they aren't going to rest Bryant or Romo anytime soon even with their respective injuries. Over the team's last seven games, there's really only one matchup that should scare you and that's the Thanksgiving showdown against the Carolina Panthers. Other than that, it's smooth sailing for the Dallas offense the rest of the way. You can kiss that 45-yard performance goodbye and enjoy the ride through the playoffs.
Willie Snead – WR, NO
It took long enough but the Brandin Cooks breakout is finally taking shape in the middle of the season. What that means for Willie Snead is that his days as the Saints top receiver are well over. Snead had himself a nice little run while Cooks struggled to find his niche in the offense but it's clear that their roles have reversed since then. In looking at this overall numbers this season, his stat line is actually kind of inflated by just two games. He had a huge 141-yard outing against the Philadelphia Eagles and reeled in two touchdowns against the New York Giants, the latter of which was a throwaway game given how insane the scoring was for both teams. His most recent bout with the Washington Redskins saw him end the day without recording a single catch so it's clear he's capable of putting up some duds as well.
Snead is the type of player that warrants a roster spot given the team he plays for and the ability he's already shown on the field. As far as actually using him goes, he's not much higher than a WR3/flex play barring an injury to Brandin Cooks. Should you happen to play in a deeper league or in a PPR format, Snead's value certainly increases. Other than that you're looking at a nice little bench player with some upside.
John Brown – WR, ARI
I've been a strong proponent of John Brown since the summer when I viewed him as the potential successor to Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. He's had himself somewhat of a roller coaster season that's been clouded by injury as well as an offense that spreads the ball around considerably. Look no further than his last four games if you doubt that statement. Brown was held without a catch against the Seahawks on Sunday night, had 65 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens, was ruled active but didn't play against the Browns, and went crazy against the Steelers for 196 yards.
Perhaps the larger issue with Brown currently is that Michael Floyd has turned up the volume as of late. Floyd's recent surge in production has the Cardinals reevaluating who their true No. 2 wide receiver is. Unfortunately, Floyd is now dealing with a hamstring of his own so this situation is likely to stay murky before we're left with some clarity. Honestly, given how potent and consistent this offense has been this year I think you can use both Brown and Floyd for fantasy purposes as both players possess a great deal of upside. Obviously you'll want to monitor the overall health of this team but generally I think Brown is still a usable piece at wide receiver.
Updates From Last Week
Stefon Diggs – WR, MIN
I know this marks two straight weeks of disappointing outings for rookie sensation Stefon Diggs but given the circumstances in which they occurred I'm still holding out hope this is a rarity. The first dud came against the St. Louis Rams in a game in which quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had to exit with a concussion, leaving Diggs to deal with backup Shaun Hill. Secondly, Sunday's matchup against the Oakland Raiders was The Adrian Peterson Show as he racked up over 200 yards in a game the Vikings didn't even need to throw the ball. I'm confident better days are ahead for Stefon Diggs.
James Jones – WR, GB
Like I said last week, the return of Davante Adams pretty much spells doom for James Jones. Jones now has three poor showings in a row. Throw in a catch-less performance against the Lions and an insane 21 targets for Adams and it's looking like Jones isn't even usable anymore. You're not dropping the No. 3 receiver on the Green Bay Packers but you definitely can't start him with any confidence unless you're desperate at this point.
Rishard Matthews – WR, MIA
"Meh." That's basically all I have to say about the Miami passing attack. This is Lamar Miller's team, everyone else isn't anything more than a bench stash, Rishard Matthews included.
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