Opportunity Knocks For Kupp
Robert Woods was right in the middle of a true breakout for the Los Angeles Rams when he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 11. While the soft-tissue injury is not considered overly serious, Woods will still miss at least a couple weeks. In his stead, rookie slot receiver Cooper Kupp should be able to take advantage of the opportunities that the Rams offense presents. Kupp was already coming off back-to-back six-catch efforts, and his usage will only rise with Woods out. He’s averaging over seven targets a game over his last four, but I think it’s reasonable to expect that number to go up to nine per game, especially with the Rams going up against some defenses that are more susceptible to the pass than the run in the coming weeks. Until we see how much usage he will get, he’s a strong flex option. The ceiling is likely that of a WR2, with stat lines comparable to those of Jarvis Landry.
Woodhead Returns For Playoff Push
Veteran scat-back Danny Woodhead returned to action for the Ravens in Week 11 after spending the entire season on IR (he sustained a hamstring injury in Week 1). While of course, he was going to be eased back in, he still managed to haul in five passes on six targets, albeit for only 21 yards. Alex Collins is still going to carry the mail for the Ravens every week with Javorius Allen backing him up, but Woodhead will maintain his passing-down role for the remainder of the season assuming his health. Even more in Woodhead’s favor is the fact that the Ravens will be playing from behind more often than not, expanding the opportunities that he’ll have as the game wears on. The diminutive running back will be used often as the league’s worst offense looks to turn things around with their offense. Woodhead is an every-week flex option with an RB2 ceiling, as he can provide the same stat line as most secondary wide receivers on any given week.
Clock Runs Out On Jordy
If you haven’t already, you need to start benching Jordy Nelson. Last year’s top fantasy wideout has been woefully ineffective, and the blame lies entirely with Brett Hundley. The young quarterback is predictably struggling in his attempt to fill in for Aaron Rodgers, and all of his pass-catchers are suffering because of it. Nelson has felt the worst effects, as he has effectively been replaced by Davante Adams, who is somehow the only one thriving with Hundley under center. Since the Packers’ Week 8 bye, Adams has tallied 20 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns, while Nelson has only been able to muster nine catches for 79 total yards and no touchdowns. While some wide receivers like DeAndre Hopkins are able to receive the kind of volume necessary to overcome terrible quarterback play, Nelson does not appear to have the same potential, especially given that Adams is now the team’s primary receiver. Even though the draft-day investment was significant, Nelson simply can’t be trusted as a fantasy starter at this poin and should remain on benches in all formats.
