What Is The Value Of Steve Smith, Marqise Lee, and Jordan Mathews For Week 15

This week, I will be analyzing a few fringe wide receivers to help you make the most optimal starting lineup for your playoff match up this week. It’s the playoffs, and I stress this to everyone, don’t make risky moves with your lineup. This is not the week to chase that young player who is getting a lot of buzz in hopes that he has his break out game. It is very risky, and if that player doesn’t deliver, your season is over. With that being said, here is an evaluation of three wide receivers who are on the minds of a lot of fantasy owners this week.

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Nov 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Smith WR BAL (Owned in 87.9% of ESPN Leagues)

Steve Smith has been hit or miss in fantasy for the last 7 weeks. Smith started the season hot, but he has cooled off recently. One major factor for the drop in production has been the amount of targets he has seen. During the first 4 weeks of the season, he averaged 10 targets a game. Since then, he has averaged 7 targets a game. The drop off in work load decreases Smith’s opportunities for fantasy production. I think the drop in targets has been due to Torrey Smith’s involvement in the passing game, and Joe Flacco spreading the ball around more.

Smith was able to provide some fantasy value last week against the Dolphins with fellow WR Torrey Smith not being available due to a knee injury. The Ravens offense relied on Steve Smith in the passing game. Torrey Smith hasn’t practiced yet this week, and it looks like his knee is still bothering him. If Torrey Smith is out this game, expect Steve Smith to get an uptick in targets again this week. Baltimore is playing Jacksonville this week, and they are ranked 18^th in the league against the pass, which indicates that Smith will have a good match up this week.

I feel Smith is worth starting as a mid level WR2 to a flex play this week. I like his match up against the Jaguars, and I think with the extra targets he should receive from Torrey Smith being injured should help his fantasy value greatly.

Marqise Lee WR JAC (Owned in 2.4% of ESPN Leagues)

Marqise Lee has been playing very well during the last three weeks, racking up 194 yards and a touchdown on 14 receptions. Can Lee make it 4 straight productive fantasy weeks? The odds of this coming to fruition are very good due to the match up Lee has this week against the Ravens. They are ranked 31^st against the pass and are allowing 267 yards a game through the air. This is the perfect opportunity for Lee to prove that the last three weeks of production wasn’t a fluke.

Lee was drafted in the 2^nd round of the 2014 NFL draft by Jacksonville. Lee was coveted as one of the top prospects in the NFL draft. So far this season, Lee has been outshined by fellow rookies Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson. Lee is considered a low end WR 3 this week. He is a little bit of a gamble due to the small sample size or production that he has for the year. Also, Lee has to compete with Allen Hurns and Cecil Shorts for targets, which makes his situation a bit tricky. If you are in a deep league and there aren’t many options on the waiver wire, then I would consider taking a stab at Lee for this week.

Jordan Matthews WR PHI (Owned in 62.8% of ESPN Leagues)

Jordan Matthews and the Philadelphia Eagles are at home this weekend to take on the Dallas Cowboys and their 25^th ranked pass defense. The last time these two teams played, Matthews racked up 51 yards and a TD off of 4 receptions. This time the Eagles are at home, and I expect the Eagles to blow out the Cowboys. Dallas’ defense is not very good, and they are going to have a lot of difficulties defending the fast paced offense of the Philadelphia Eagles. Matthews plays in the slot the majority of the time, and this will create a lot of mismatches for the linebackers and safeties of the Cowboys. Mark Sanchez has a good rapport with Matthews, and they display good chemistry on the field together. I expect Mathews to have a good game this week.

Don’t be surprised if Matthews finishes this game as a WR1, because he is very talented and he’s going to be match up nightmare for the Cowboys. I wouldn’t be against starting him as your WR2 or flex this week, and I recommend grabbing him off the waiver wire so the opposing teams in your league can’t pick him up. Matthews is a definite start for your team if your team is facing WR issues because he has a lot of upside this week.

If you need any help with your fantasy team this week feel free to contact me on Twitter @bmatz08.

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