:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68489507/usa_today_15277442.0.jpg)
Opportunity for success was hard to come by for the Patriots wide receivers in Week 13 against the Chargers, when Cam Newton attempted only 19 passes. Even Jarrett Stidham’s additional three passes left the New England wideouts thirsty for more targets. Though the Chargers are a tough matchup, things will only get tougher for the Patriots on Thursday when they take on the Los Angeles Rams to open Week 14. Are any of these receivers worthy of a spot in your starting lineup? We break down the fantasy implications below.
Fantasy Football analysis: Patriots WRs Jakobi Meyers, N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd
Jakobi Meyers enjoyed a significant amount of success mid-season, when he averaged 17.2 fantasy points per game in Weeks 7-10. Meyers has seen a fall off in performance since then, averaging only 6.8 points per game over the past three weeks. The Rams defense has allowed the second fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making them a particularly tough match-up. There is not enough volume in the Patriots’ passing game for Meyers to give fantasy owners any confidence in starting him given his tough matchup this week. Keep him on the bench in Week 14.
N’Keal Harry was the lucky recipient of a touchdown in Week 13, as he found the end zone for just the second time this season. The touchdown was likely a stroke of luck, since Harry has only received more than three targets in one of the last five games he has played. He does not have enough opportunity to provide weekly fantasy value and should also be kept on the bench this weekend.
Damiere Byrd had a big week against Houston in Week 11, but has been relatively quiet since then. He does command a decent target share, but there are many mouths to feed in the New England offense. Similarly to Meyers and Harry, the target share is too unpredictable for any of these receivers in any given match-up. Byrd has failed to pull away from the pack and therefore should remain on the bench with the rest of the Patriots wide receivers.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Sit Jakobi Meyers
Sit N’Keal Harry
Sit Damiere Byrd