Fantasy Stars & Studs, Week 8: DK Metcalf leads emerging receivers

Mecole Hardman – Kansas City Chiefs

Trailing Aiyuk by just 0.5 points in PPR scoring in Week 8 was second-year wideout Hardman, who is emerging as an increasingly important player in the Kansas City offense.

In the Chiefs’ blowout win over the New York Jets, Hardman had seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown scored on a pop pass from Patrick Mahomes, earning him 22.6 points, his best return of the campaign.

The former Georgia receiver was targeted nine times by Mahomes. His previous highest target share came in Week 3 when the Chiefs’ quarterback looked to him six times in the Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

In that game, Hardman had four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. To put it another way, when Hardman has been a focus of the offense, he has delivered productive performances.

With at least 50 yards in four of his eight games this season, Hardman is a high-floor player whose primary issue is opportunity.

The presence of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in the Chiefs’ attack makes it fair to wonder if a consistent target share will ever come his way while that duo remain the primary targets.

But performances like his Week 8 showing against the Jets will only increase Mahomes’ trust in Hardman, whose progress is worth monitoring by those looking for a bye-week flex option at receiver.