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As with many of the offensive positions in Week 1, the wide receivers were some of the highest scorers in an offensive-filled week. Four receivers scored at least 33.7 DKFP, all of whom had a salary no higher than $5,000. If you went fishing for value on this slate, there’s a good chance you were rewarded. We’ll examine two receivers coming off completely different weeks and how their outlook is for Week 2.
Larry Fitzgerald ($4,600) vs. Baltimore Ravens
Fitz was one of the surprise value plays in Week 1, scoring 28.3 DKFP in a 27-27 tie with the Lions. Receiving 13 targets, Fitz would pull down eight of them for 113 yards and a pivotal touchdown that at the time brought the Cardinals to within two with only 47 seconds remaining. Yesterday’s performance nearly surpassed his season-high of 29.2 DKFP against the 49ers last season, when he caught eight-of-12 targets for 102 yards and a touchdown. Aside from that one week, it was mostly a lost season for Fitz (and the Cardinals as a whole quite frankly) as he never surpassed anything higher than 16.5 DKFP. So, with his huge performance in Week 1 and a $300 drop in salary, we in on Fitz in Week 2?
The momentum will likely come to a screeching halt in Week 2 when the Ravens host this team in Baltimore. As their primary slot receiver, he’ll draw a very tough matchup against CB Tavon Young, who last season in slot coverage allowed a 65 percent completion rate on 44 targets for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Fitz will have the height advantage on him but his lack of drawing separation could be costly. Last season, the Ravens were amongst the toughest to score on and allowed an average of 18 points per game last season. While Fitz may look like an attractive value, he’s best left on the board.
Tyler Lockett ($6,200) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
During the offseason, all you heard about was “Tyler Lockett is the WR1 in the Seahawks offense.” “Tyler Lockett is in a smash spot in Week 1.” “Tyler Lockett WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN IN WEEK 1.”
Well, Lockett let us down in Week 1.
If it wasn’t for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, this REALLY could have been a disaster for the highly hyped receiver. As with the Seahawks, they’re a run-first offense, as they did so 25 times compared to the 20 pass attempts of Russell Wilson ($6,200). However, Lockett will earn his keep and could do so in Week 2 against the Steelers.
While Julian Edleman ($6,900) is no longer considered the WR1 in the Patriots offense, he is their primary slot receiver and just came off a game where caught six of his 11 targets for 83 yards and 16.3 DKFP. While not all receivers are created equal, Lockett should be able to regain some of our trust in this matchup, especially against a team with a strong run defense. Last season, the Steelers ranked amongst one of the best run defenses in the league and just held the Patriots to 91 total rushing yards on 28 attempts, averaging out to 3.2 YPC. If the Seahawks are forced to throw more in Week 2, Lockett could be in a prime spot to benefit.
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