Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Bye Weeks: Steve Smith (NYG), Andre Johnson, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones, Kevin Boss, Joel Dreessen

Start 'Em:
Receivers Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Good news for Gates: The Eagles can't stop a tight end.

Antonio Gates vs. PHI
No matter the caliber, tight ends have been racking up fantasy points against the Eagles since Philly came off their bye in Week 4. The Eagles have allowed an average of 11 fantasy points per game to opposing TEs and, despite having a couple drops last week, Gates can still be one of the elite. While they held Witten to 43 yards without a score last week, they still allowed him seven catches. Expect a big game from Gates this week, especially if the competent Philadelphia secondary can keep Vincent Jackson covered.

Steve Breaston vs. SEA
Statistically, Seattle’s secondary is middle of the pack. Against Arizona that just won’t cut it. With the attention Fitzgerald drew to himself last week (9 receptions, 123 yards, 2 TDs), expect extra coverage to roll his way. That will leave Breaston open more often. The Seahawks have had to game plan for Boldin as well, likely not focusing as much on Breaston as they should have. Whether Boldin plays or not, expect Breaston to capitalize on Fitzy’s great game last week, Boldin’s injury tag, and a mediocre Seattle secondary.

Jerricho Cotchery vs. JAX
Cotchery is great at finding open space, and he should be running plenty of underneath routes while Braylon Edwards stretches the field against the Jags. The Jacksonville pass defense is currently ranked 26th in the league, giving up a hefty 24.8 points per game. Combine the secondary’s poor tackling with Cotchery’s ability to break some big gains after the catch and you’ve got a solid game from a perennially under-rated player. I see a bunch of receptions along with a score to bring Cotchery back to his typical understated glory as one of the best #2 receivers in the game.

Calvin Johnson @ MIN
This is a risk, but it could provide great dividends. Johnson has been down for a month with knee problems, but he’s slated to play against a Vikings defense that has allowed 13 receiving TDs and an average of 238 passing yards per game. Avery, Mason, Jennings and even Vernon Davis have all managed at least 5 catches for 81 yards and a score against Minnesota’s secondary. Megatron’s talent matches or exceeds each of those receivers and Johnson could have a heyday, especially if Antoine Winfield remains out.

Bench 'Em:
Receivers Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Mike Sims-Walker @ NYJ
The Jets, and Darrelle Revis in particular, have done an excellent job of shutting down #1 receivers this season. Andre Johnson, Marques Colston, Terrell Owens, and Randy Moss have combined for only 13 catches, 105 yards, and no scores. In addition, Sims-Walker has had little talent covering him most of the season. Add that up and you get a minimal game from a young player who has been known to disappear even against bad defenses (0 rec. vs. SEA; 2 rec., 9 yds vs. TEN). If you have a more consistent option on your roster, don’t let a failed Revis test ruin Week 10 for you.

Randy Moss @ IND
With Welker back in uniform the last couple weeks, Moss has moved from main target to deep threat (26 catches in 3 games without Welker, 23 catches in 5 games with Welker). The Colts have been incredibly stingy in allowing wideouts touchdowns, as only Anquan Boldin has scored on them this season. I can see Moss having a couple long receptions, but don’t expect him to hit pay dirt this week. Welker is a much better play in PPR leagues, though I’m not sure I’d trust any of the New England receivers to score against this Colts defense. Instead, look for some no-name RBs or TEs to collect Brady’s inevitable TD throws.

DeSean Jackson @ SD
The San Diego secondary is tough, allowing only five wideouts to score on them this year. Jackson has been known to have his one- and two-catch games, but with his shiftiness and speed, he doesn’t need many touches to make something happen. San Diego has their own speedster in Antonio Cromartie, however, who should be able to wrap Jackson up before he can get very far. Expect some subterfuge with Jackson involved, maybe even a score, but don’t look for a lot of catches, or even many looks. Between San Diego’s good coverage (18 receptions allowed per game) and nice pass rush (2.75 sacks per game), I see McNabb breaking the pocket and looking short quite often in this game. Expect Celek and the running backs to get a good portion of the targets this week.

Roy Williams @ GB
Though Williams has actually been scoring some points the last two weeks, they’ve been meager. Don’t let a little production from a big-name player distort the truth. The fact is, Williams has only 38 catches, 522 yards and 3 scores over the last two years. His uncharacteristic targets over the last two weeks (16) may have actually cost Romo some of the chemistry he’s had with Miles Austin as of late. Look for Romo to get back to Austin this weekend, leaving Williams behind once again. Williams is a WR3…at best, and on a good day.