Wide Receivers
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – $8800
Another week and the same name atop wide receiver rankings. Antonio Brown will likely top these lists every week. His 93 yards and a touchdown a week ago did little to put that argument to rest. Brown was his usual self on Sunday and only limited by a quarterback that looked off all game. The entire Steelers offense historically plays better at home. This week they play a Chiefs secondary that was torched by Philip Rivers a week ago. Brown is poised for another big week in a shoot out game with points aplenty.
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns – $8600
Speaking of the Browns, this week’s second ranked wide receiver, Michael Thomas, is matched up against them. Thomas was electric in Week 1’s shoot out loss to the Buccaneers with 16 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. He is clear and away Drew Brees’ top target. He gets another great matchup in Cleveland. Unlike Brown from a week ago, Thomas will be playing in a dome and not effected by the weather that limited Brown’s big day.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers – $8400
Another player that was limited thanks to conditions outside of his control was Atlanta’s Julio Jones. His 10 catch, 169 yard performance was capped due to terrible red zone play calling which kept him out of the end zone. He was far and away the most dominant offensive player in Week 1’s loss to the Eagles.
Good news is that he gets a Panthers secondary that is no where near the caliber of Philadelphia’s. The Panthers defense is anchored by their front. If Atlanta is smart they will get quick hit plays to Jones and let him stretch that Panthers’ secondary. All that Jones needs is one trip to the end zone and his day looks vastly different.
Deandre Hopkins, Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans – $8000
The depth as wide receiver in the NFL is at an all-time high in 2018. That is evident by Deandre Hopkins being the fourth ranked wide receiver despite a strong match-up. Hopkins did not have a typical game for him with only 11 passes for 78 yards but the volume is promising.
With Deshaun Watson back under center, bigger days are ahead for the duo. Tennessee’s defense looked improved but still allowed two touchdown catches a week ago. No one on that defense can hang with Hopkins and there is big play potential every time he touches the ball.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers @ Buffalo Bills – $7800
Out of the top five receivers, Keenan Allen is the only one that gives me pause. Allen has a low floor thanks in part to his large target share and consistent ability to find soft spots in coverage. However the Chargers simply do not get their big plays from him. Against a Bills secondary this week featuring All-Pro Tre White, it could be a tough outing for Allen.
Buffalo got beat bad by the Ravens a week ago but did not allow a bunch of yards. It was chunk plays by Flacco and company, not Allen’s specialty. Careful here with Allen, especially in a game that may feature more running for the Chargers.
Values
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos vs Oakland Raiders – $6200
Coming in as the 16th ranked receiver is Emmanuel Sanders. The Broncos wide receiver showed his connection with new quarterback Case Keenum with 10 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. Sanders is the top target in Denver despite Demaryius Thomas on the other side. Sanders gets a weak Oakland secondary on Sunday. The volume will be there which is a large portion of what you need in receiver value plays.
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals – $5500
Ten spots lower than Sanders is Los Angeles’ Rams second year receiver Cooper Kupp. The talented pass catcher continued to show why he is his quarterback’s safety blanket on Monday night. Kupp faced the aforementioned Raiders defense and caught five of his nine targets for 52 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams are going to spread the ball around but one of those receivers will be facing Patrick Peterson. Kupp should find space in the middle of the field and across from Peterson. He is the safest of the Rams receivers this week with most of his damage coming from inside.
Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans – $5100
DraftKings must not be confident in Marcus Mariota’s ability to play. There is no other reason why the Titans’ top receiving option Corey Davis is listed as the 30th wide receiver. The talented former top-5 pick led the way for Tennessee in Miami a week ago with 13 targets.
This week, the Titans face a Texans secondary looked improved from a season ago against the Patriots but was vulnerable at times. Davis is more talented than any outside threat New England features. Look for another 10-plus target day for Davis regardless of who is at quarterback. If Mariota plays, this becomes my favorite play of the week.