Depending on how your league schedule is set up, this is the week we have been waiting for all year. It is playoff time my friends! Be sure to set your lineups and find the best matchups that you can get. Here is a list of some receivers you may want to stay away from:
Wes Welker, Denver Broncos
Welker has not reached the end zone since Week 8 against the Redskins which means in standard leagues, he is under performing. He sees plenty of passes from Peyton Manning so that makes him a valuable start in PPR leagues but his fellow wide receivers are seeing all of the touchdowns. In standard leagues Welker has failed to have double digit fantasy points for four weeks in a row. This week he is up against a stingy Titans secondary that hasn’t given up a touchdown to an opposing receiver since Week 2. It is always tempting to start Welker but this week doesn’t have the best matchup.
Projection: Six receptions, 60 yards, zero touchdowns
Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
The Packers and Nelson’s suffering continues without quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center.
They have yet to win a game since Week 8 and was also the last time Nelson caught a touchdown.
Last week against a poor Lions defense, Nelson had only two receptions with just 14 yards.
It is true that he is up against another weak defense this week in the Atlanta Falcons but if he wasn’t performing versus the Lions then what makes us think he can be as productive against the Falcons?
Without Rodgers throwing him the ball, Nelson is just not worth it.
Projection: Three receptions, 40 yards, zero touchdowns
Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins
Garcon and the Redskins have been having their issues on offense the past three weeks. Like Welker, Garcon sees plenty of targets and receptions so his value is huge in PPR leagues. As for standard leagues, he hasn’t been in the end zone the past three weeks and this week he is up against the Kansas City Chiefs. Don’t be fooled by their recent struggles because the Chiefs defense is still pretty good. They are really going to try and prove that they are still an elite team in the NFL and end their losing three game losing streak so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs hold the Redskins to under 17 points.
Projection: Seven receptions, 63 yards, zero touchdowns
Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers
Boldin has been hot the past three weeks posting double digit numbers and three touchdowns. He was on a cold streak the five games before that so it was good to see him get back on track.
His receptions have been steady all season which makes him valuable in both types of fantasy leagues. This week the 49ers host the division rival Seattle Seahawks who are coming off of a huge Monday night win against the Saints.
The Seahawks proved that their defense is for real by completely shutting down Drew Brees and the Saints offense.
I refuse to take a chance starting a receiver going up against a defense that is that strong. Look for other options here.
Projection: Four receptions, 46 yards, zero touchdowns
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton has five touchdown receptions all season and they all came in just two games. If he is not in the end zone then his production is generally low. The receptions are there and averages about five per game but if there is no end zone celebration, then there are no points added to your fantasy squad. Hilton travels to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals who have been better on defense the past few weeks and did a great job shutting down a hot Chargers offense last week. The Colts offense hasn’t been what it used to be in the beginning of the season so there is a good chance that Hilton stays cold.
Projection: Five receptions, 47 yards, zero touchdowns