Week 2 Start'em or Sit'em: Wide Receivers

Week 2 Start’em or Sit’em: Wide Receivers

When looking for a top wide receivers each week, generally you stick to similar qualifications you have when thinking about a quarterback. Is your wide receiver playing a top defense? You want to typically stay away from wide receivers playing defenses like Denver, who have the best rated pass defense. Is your wide receiver is playing against an inferior opponent? When your wide receiver is playing a team like the Jets, you have to worry about them not getting enough targets. I generally like to find wide receivers on teams that play from behind a lot but have a good quarterback that can move the ball in the fourth quarter.

Start’em:

Start of the Week: Brandin Cooks @ New Orleans Saints

For those of you who followed me this offseason, Brandin Cooks was my season long bust of the year. Well, not this week. The Patriots are looking to rebound after last weeks upset to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Saints defense was lit up last week by Sam Bradford this week they see a “slight” uptick in talent with Tom Brady. Not to mention, Bill Belichick apparently has to show Sean Payton how a revenge game is supposed to look for a player. Sorry Who Dat Nation!

Larry Fitzgerald @ Indianapolis Colts

There is an old saying, “Father Time is undefeated.” Well apparently no one told that to Larry Fitzgerald. In week 1 of his 13th season in the league, Fitz only saw a modest 13 targets. This week his targets may see a dip, but the quality of target should go up. John Brown has been ruled out this week also, leaving the talent at wide receiver, solely resting on Fitzgerald’s shoulders.

Stefon Diggs @ Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers secondary get a little bit tougher of a challenge after looking okay in week 1 against the Browns. Even still Coleman scored a TD against their defense and caught 5 of 6 passes. Stefon Diggs is far more talented and has a much better and more efficient quarterback. Last week Diggs carved up the Saints for 93 yards and 2 TDs.

Randall Cobb @ Atlanta Falcons

Randall Cobb led Packers receivers with 9 catches for 85 yards out of the slot last week. This week’s game against the Falcons is expected to be a shoot out at the O.K Corral. Cobb will see a good amount of targets if points start piling up. Last year, Cobb didn’t have a TD catch on the road. Look for him to change that this week.

Sit’em:

Sit of the Week: Dez Bryant @ Denver Broncos

Dez has one of the toughest schedules for a wide receiver to open the regular season. Last week it was Janoris Jenkins, this week its Aqib Talib and next week he finds Patrick Peterson. Last year, Dez averaged only 7.5 fantasy points per game while playing away from AT&T Stadium. Temper expectations or find a replacement this week.

Jarvis Landry @ Los Angeles Chargers

Landry has a few problems coming into this game. His first issue is Jay Cutler. Cutler isn’t a huge fan of checking down or throwing quick slants. This puts Landry’s utilization up in the air. Another problem facing Landry is health. Currently listed as questionable, he is expected to play while battling a knee issue. If his knee starts acting up will the Dolphins risk further injury or pull him from the game?

Donte Moncrief vs. Arizona Cardinals

Last week Moncrief saw only 4 targets and caught only one. Albeit for a 50 yard gain, you can’t expect to depend on that proficiency week in and week out. Until Andrew Luck gets back under center Moncrief needs to ride the pine. It doesn’t help Arizona’s pass defense comes to town and the Colts decided to switch to Jacoby Brissett for Week 2.

Golden Tate @ New York Giants

Tate lead the Lions in week 1 with 10 catches on 12 targets for 107 yards. Unfortunately, he did not find the end zone as, rookie sensation Kenny Golladay caught two and Marvin Jones grabbed another for the wideouts. Tate might not see as many targets this week as he faces the same problem Dez Bryant did last week, Janoris Jenkins, DRC and Eli Apple. If he doesn’t find the end zone this week he will have a disappointing week for owners.