Studs
A.J. Green, CIN
- Green is almost a lock top 3 WR in fantasy land. He’s completely matchup proof because Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is going to force him the ball no matter quality or quantity of the coverage. The Bengals have a somewhat difficult schedule, which means they should be looking for Green in the passing game all game long.
Green is currently ranked as the number one fantasy receiver, second in the league for yards and touchdowns. If you have him on your team, don’t let go of him unless you’re getting a top five fantasy player. He might be too expensive to buy right now.
Percy Harvin, MIN
Harvin might be the NFL’s most versatile player. In the last six games, Harvin has had touchdowns in all areas-- returning, rushing and receiving. Harvin is moved all over the field, lining up at QB, WR, and RB. Coming into week four, Harvin led the league in receptions and was top 10 in both yards and targets. Coming off a game with only 22 receiving yards, Harvin is an obvious but low candidate. He may not be a super flashy player, but throughout the game he will accumulate points for you every minute he’s on the field—which a lot. Harvin has a GREAT shot to finish as a top 10 fantasy receiver.
Torrey Smith, BAL
Smith’s coming out party wasn’t quite a party for him. Smith’s week three breakout performance came less than 24 hours after hear the news of the passing of his little brother. Throughout the last two emotional games, Smith has caught 12 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Smith looks to be the number one receiver in Baltimore and should continue to thrive in Flacco’s breakout season. Smith value might be too high coming off of two great games but has a bad fantasy month ahead—a bye and two tough matchups. If you can’t get him for a reasonable price now, wait a few weeks for a good opportunity from a discouraged owner.
Both Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker
Thomas and Decker both are slowly breaking out and starting to develop one of the league’s best tandems at the receiver position. Peyton Manning is a mad scientist at the line of scrimmage and each player has such unique abilities that Payton can use to tear apart a defense. As far as schedule goes, the biggest threat to a bad game looks like the Ravens during week 15, during the Fantasy play offs. I like Decker slightly above Thomas because he should be a little cheaper. I especially like Decker more in PPR leagues, where he has a chance to be top five. Both players are worth putting some effort in to go after, be careful on over paying for Thomas though.
Other receivers I’m buying low on
--Julio Jones, ATL
--Andre Johnson, HOU
--Steve Smith, CAR
--Brandon Lafell, CAR
--Malcolm Floyd, SD
Duds
Brian Hartline, MIA
Hartline is enjoying a nice break out season his fourth year in the league. But—I’m not buying the hype. With a rookie QB behind a bad offensive line, I would much rather sell him high for a safer, more consistent player.
Dwayne Bowe, KC
Don’t get me wrong, as a player, Bowe is no dud. Bowe is easily top 10 out of all the receivers in the league, but all his production is coming during garbage time. This streak of garbage time production should end soon, bring Bowe back down to earth and a mid to low WR2. Trade him now while numbers are high and an owner is desperate for “elite” WR play.
Other receivers I’m selling high:
--James Jones, GB
--Anquan Boldin, BAL
HOLD- Dez Bryant, DAL
Things are about as bad as they can be in Dallas. I wouldn't go after or trade away Dez. Let him stay where he is.