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Fantasy Football 2018: Jordan Matthews Back in Philly

By Bill Pivetz

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Jordan Matthews #87 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Jordan Matthews #87 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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With two wide receivers on the IR, the Eagles signed a familiar face in Jordan Matthews. Does he have any fantasy football value going forward?

The first two games of the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-defending season have not gone according to plan. Now with Mike Wallace and Mack Hollins on the IR and Carson Wentz on his way back, the front office brought back a reliable receiver in Jordan Matthews. Is he worth targeting in fantasy football in Week 3 and beyond?

The first two games of the Super Bowl-defending season have not gone according to plan. The offense only scored 18 points in Week 1 and the defense allowed Ryan Fitzpatrick to score four touchdowns, including a 75-yard pass to former Eagle DeSean Jackson to start the game.

Now Wentz returns under center with a receiver he has a connection with, an improved Nelson Agholor and a top-three tight end in Zach Ertz.

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In Wentz’s first season in Philadelphia, Matthews was his No. 1 receiver. Agholor wasn’t the receiver he is today and Wentz relied on his tight ends to make something out of nothing.

Matthews caught 73 passes on 117 targets for 804 yards and three touchdowns, all first or second among Eagles pass catchers.

Matthews was then traded to Buffalo and had a bad season, to say the least. In 10 games, he had 25 catches for 282 yards and a score. I’m pretty sure someone had that stat line in a game this season.

Add in a returning Alshon Jeffery and that could be a dangerous quartet of pass catchers going forward. With the injuries at running back, Wentz may be throwing 50 passes a game.

That’s likely not going to happen so targets will be at a premium. I expect Matthews to take a week or two to get back into the swing of things. He will likely be the outside receiver opposite of Agholor. Wallace hasn’t been ruled out to return this season, either.

The Eagles take on the Indianapolis Colts this week, a good team to ease everyone back into the offense. Matthews will have more value in a PPR league as he averaged 5.2 catches and 57.4 yards per game in 2016.

dark. Next. Week 3 NFL Game by Game Breakdown

If you are hesitant on adding Matthews right away, I get it. Wait to see how he plays this week against the Colts. But if he plays well, you may be paying a hefty price to add him before Week 4. With just Agholor on the roster, he will be targeted often. I think he’s a good add as a WR4 in standard leagues.

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