Tag: Wes Welker

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.

Danny Amendola- PPR Only?

Yes, Danny Amendola had one hell of a game Sunday against the Skins going for 15 receptions with 160 yards and a score. Amendola only played in one game last year but in 2010 his 85 receptions were a delight to PPR owners everywhere.

Analysis: It’s a given that Danny Amendola is a PPR stud but in standard leagues it’s not so black and white. He did amass 85 receptions in 2010 but he did so for only 689 yards with an 8.1 yards per catch average and only three touchdowns. So he may be a pass catching machine but his touchdown totals are suspect. He’s played in 33 games now as a pro and only has five touchdowns to show for it on 153 receptions. That’s not a good ratio for a lower tier tight end let alone a wide out.

Amendola does have 25 targets through two games and a solid 230 receiving yards but you need to know what to expect going forward. You are going to see a lot of eight reception, 67 yard games without a touchdown from Amendola this season. The touchdowns just aren’t going to be there for you. Even Wes Welker doesn’t even have a 10 touchdown year despite his talent and four 100 plus reception seasons. Know what you’re getting yourself into when you pick Amendola up in standard leagues.

Wes Welker is Hot

Wes Welker and Brady have been on fire as of late.  This week they face the Jets, who currently rank 12th against the pass.

Analysis: Wes Welker is coming off his best week of the season, so continue to start him no matter the opponent.  In their last meeting Welker managed to grab a TD with 6 receptions for 38 yards.  Brady and the Patriots are a much different team now compared to when these two teams met back in September.  Welker has yet to reach the 100 yard mark this season and it certainly won’t happen against the Jets.   Consider him a low #1 or high #2 option for your lineups.

High/Low: Expect Welker to range anywhere from 6 to 14 points and is a must start in PPR leagues.