The weak have fallen and the mighty reign supreme as we head into Week 14 of the fantasy season. As leagues begin their journey into the fantasy postseason, the savviest of owners look for an inside edge on the rosters and waiver wires. If you weren’t fortunate enough to secure a bye week in your fantasy postseason, chances are you’re re-constructing your roster as you look to cash in on fantasy football glory. The time is now to reach deep, and get bold as you look to rise through the ranks. This week we look to feature three more wide receivers who have a chance to breakout based on advanced stats, metrics, and analytics profiles.
Martavis Bryant, WR, Steelers
While JuJu Smith-Schuster failed to have his one game suspension overturned, Martavis Bryant suddenly evolved into a player set for a major jump in Snap Share this week. Fantasy gamers who waited all offseason to have Bryant return to the Steelers following his one-year suspension, have been sorely disappointed in his fantasy output this far. Bryant has logged a 66.5-percent Snap Share (No. 82) and is averaging an underwhelming 7.5 fantasy points per game (No. 63). Bryant’s 31 receptions (No. 60) and 386 receiving yards (No. 64) are a far cry from what fans expected to see following his reinstatement, given his athleticism and playmaking history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_KdrDvX3rQ
Following his 2016 suspension, Martavis Bryant looked to be on the precipice of wide receiver stardom. In his 2015 campaign he posted 50 receptions (No. 46) for 765 receiving yards (no. 38) and seven touchdowns (No. 22) in just 11 games. He finished 20th among wide receivers in fantasy points per game (15.6 points per game).
With JuJu Smith-Schuster slated to miss this week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Martavis Bryant now has a chance to replace the 71.2-percent Snap Share vacated by Smith-Schuster. He will see more coverage from Brandon Carr (No. 37 ranked cornerback) as the Ravens are now without their top cornerback, Jimmy Smith. With speed to burn, look for Bryant to have many opportunities to break the game open on Sunday Night Football, and surprise those who gave up hope on his 2017 campaign.
Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions
Kenny Golladay saw his breakout game in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, when he affirmed the offseason hype that surrounded his potential. He posted 4 receptions for 69 yards, and two touchdowns on seven targets that week. Sadly he suffered a hamstring strain in that same week. Since his week 10 return, Golladay posted exactly two receptions in every game while averaging 3.3 targets and 55.3 receiving yards. Despite his underwhelming output, Golladay has been consistent in his play, and proves to be a big play threat each week with his current season average of 21.5 yards per reception.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CrsbqkS8D0
As has become the case for wide receivers looking for advantageous match-ups in a given week, Kenny Golladay faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14. Golladay will be matched up against cornerback Ryan Smith, who ranks as the No. 85 cornerback on PlayerProfiler’s Cornerback Rankings, and is currently surrendering a 110.3 Passer Rating to opposing quarterbacks when targeted.
Over the last two weeks, Golladay averaged an 80-percent snap share and 25 pass routes. The Lions offense ranks No. 7 in the league with 39 pass attempts per game. Tampa Bay has already allowed over 500 total PPR fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, last in the league by a wide margin. They will continue to struggle this week against the Lions potent offense. Look for Golladay to enjoy a “re-breakout” game this week.
Zay Jones, WR, Bills
For much of this season, Zay Jones was one of the least productive wide receivers in the league. Prior to his Week 9 matchup against the Jets in which he hauled in 6 receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, Jones had converted 10 receptions on 37 targets for 115 yards. Jones was forced into a starting role with the trade of Sammy Watkins and injury to Jordan Matthews. Jones currently ranks No. 26 in Snap Share among wide receivers (86.3-percent), but has a Production Premium of -39.8 (No. 85). Since his week 9 performance, Jones has steadily seen an uptick in targets, averaging 7.8 targets over his last four games, while posting 15 receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns.
Zay Jones Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Now Zay Jones gets a matchup at home against the Colts, who are last in the league in passing yards allowed per game (271.6) while allowing +4.48 fantasy points above league average to opposing wide receivers. Jones will be matched up against cornerback Nate Hairston (No. 74 ranked cornerback) according to PlayerProfiler’s Cornerback Rankings. With Jones seeing a significant increase in targets over the last several weeks, and the Bills facing an injury-ravaged Colts secondary, this could be the week Jones owners have been waiting for. If you’re looking for a wide receiver with a high floor to round out your playoff roster this week, Jones may be that player you are seeking.
