Tag: Brian Hartline

Welker Alternatives

Not only is Wes Welker battling concussion issues but he is also suspended(MDMA) for the first four games of the NFL season. If you drafted wisely the answer is already on your roster, but if not… who are the fantasy alternatives?

Analysis: Brandin Cooks is available in 15-25% of fantasy leagues. He is the fastest player Drew Brees has ever played with and he is the most polished rookie of the 2014 draft class. The Saints finished 2nd in passing yards last year and 4th in passing attempts. Cooks is a fine Wes Welker alternative.

James Jones is the number one wide out for the Raiders(for now). Oakland should be trailing in the second half of most games this year which means tons of fourth quarter junk yards for James Jones. Jones is available in 60% of fantasy leagues.

I don’t understand the Brian Hartline fantasy aversion. He has now compiled back to back 70 plus reception, 1,000 plus yard seasons. He isn’t a touchdown machine but expect a career high from Hartline as Ryan Tannehill breaks out this season with an improved offensive line. Hartline is available in 45-85% of fantasy leagues.

Jennings/Hartline Updates

Greg Jennings and Brian Hartline are red hot as we head into the last two games of the season.

Analysis: Greg Jennings put up 163 yards on 11 receptions with a touchdown today against the Eagles. Jennings has averaged 7.6 receptions, 10.6 targets and 98 receiving yards in his last three games. Cordarrelle Patterson is explosive and hyped but he is only averaging 6 targets per game in that same three game span. Matt Cassel has been the quarterback responsible for most of those big numbers in recent weeks. Cassel has averaged 297 passing yards in that three game span as he appears to have it figured out once again, but who knows for how long? The reality is Matt Cassel is playing well and Jennings is one heavily targeted wide out these days. Greg Jennings is available in 10-50% of fantasy leagues.

Brian Hartline has been a solid fantasy performer all year but in recent weeks his play is starting to stand out. He’s averaged 6 receptions, 9 targets and 81 yards in his last four contests, he also has 2 touchdowns in that span. Ryan Tannehill is averaging 39 passing attempts in his last four games which is good news for Brian Hartline and Mike Wallace owners. Hartline is available in 25-60% of fantasy leagues.

Week 13 WR Recap

Brian Hartline and Kendall Wright continue to put up solid fantasy numbers in week thirteen.

Analysis: Brian Hartline caught 9 balls on 15 targets for 127 yards and a score Sunday afternoon against the Jets. Hartline now has four consecutive 55-plus receiving yard games. He also has 24 receptions in that four game span. Hartline is available in 40-70% of fantasy leagues.

Kendall Wright had himself another fine ball game Sunday against the Colts. Wright put up 77 receiving yards on 6 receptions and 11 targets. Wright now has four consecutive 75-plus receiving yard games and has 28 receptions in that four game span. He’s on pace to put up more than 1,100 yards but he has only found the end zone twice this year. Wright has top 25 fantasy wide out numbers yet he still isn’t getting much love. He’s available in 10-60% of fantasy leagues.

Jacoby Jones is the long shot add this week. Jones has a touchdown, 8 receptions, 13 targets and 156 receiving yards in his last two games. He’s a high risk/high reward fantasy option but he may be of some use with just four weeks remaining in the season. Jones is available in 85-95% of fantasy leagues.

PPR Help- Hartline

Brian Hartline is flying under the fantasy radar after a 2012 campaign which saw him put up 74 receptions and 1,083 receiving yards.

Analysis: Hartline was targeted a team high 15 times Sunday, five more targets than anyone else on the Dolphins. Hartline caught 9 balls for 114 yards and a score. Considering he is one year removed from 74 receptions and 128 targets(both top 20 for wide outs) he is in high demand right now.

The acquisition of Mike Wallace may deter some fantasy owners from Hartline but he does seem to have good chemistry with second year starter Ryan Tannehill. Currently, Hartline is available in 40-75% of fantasy leagues. His targets and receptions are reliable but the drawback here is the touchdowns. The 6’2″ Hartline only had one touchdown last year, he suffers from what is called “Jason Witten Syndrome.” We must keep in mind that Tannehill only threw for 12 touchdown passes last year and that number is expected to increase in 2013.

The former Ohio State Buckeye can be a bit of a question mark in standard formats but he holds tons of value in PPR leagues.