RADIO
It took long enough but it looks like we're finally reaching some level of normalcy among the higher end fantasy wide receivers. Players usually end up being what they are for the year around Week 5 or so but in the case of receivers, it's been a rather wonky year. The consistency we've grown accustomed to took a little longer to develop than most seasons. Luckily, it feels like we've leveled off considerably.
So what does that mean for this week's Warning Signals? Well, what it means is that we're taking a look at three players who were all most likely waiver wire adds this season rather than draft picks. I'm sure these guys were owned in dynasty leagues or super deep leagues but for the most part they were scooped up over the course of the year. It doesn't make them any less worth talking about though.
Nine times out of ten, waiver wire additions are like playing with house money. You never actually planned on utilizing those assets but once they're there, by all means splurge. So if you're legitimately worried about the "struggles" of any of the players listed, just remember that they were never part of your strategy back in August in the first place.
Wide Receivers Sending Out Warning Signals
Stefon Diggs – WR, MIN
This is more of a precautionary add than anything else. Stefon Diggs has been extraordinary as of late yet the recent injury to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a cause for concern. Diggs didn't has his usual explosive outing once backup Shaun Hill entered the contest so if that ends up being the case on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, be prepared for another down game for the Minnesota rookie. That being said, it all depends on what you have at the position. If Hill is under center and you have someone who's a lot safer of a play like Eric Decker, start the guy with the lower floor in Decker. But if your other option is a guy like Travis Benjamin, someone who was every bit of a boom-or-bust play with less consistency, roll the dice with the better player in Diggs.
Obviously if Teddy Bridgewater is able to suit up on Sunday this is all moot. On the flip side, if Diggs struggles with Hill throwing to him, I'm probably going to give him a pass before becoming overly concerned. We'll have to see how this shakes out in the coming days as far as the quarterback situation is concerned but for the most part I'm not exactly shaking in my boots as a Diggs owner.
James Jones – WR, GB
Now that Davante Adams is back and healthy, it would appear as if the James Jones honeymoon is officially over. Jones had filled in nicely during Adams' ankle injury but in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, it was clear who the number two receiver was for Green Bay. Davante Adams had 11 targets to just six for James Jones. It's not like Adams was unproductive either as he turned seven of those targets into receptions for 93 yards.
Look, I understand the massive drawing power of owning a Packers wide receiver given how talented their quarterback is and how potent the offense can be. Still, you can't ignore the fact that Adams was the clear number two receiver heading into the season once Jordy Nelson went down with an injury. James Jones had himself a nice little run and I'm sure he'll still have another big game or two down the stretch. The problem with that is, the No. 3 on any team, yes, even the Packers, has limited value for fantasy on a week-to-week basis. Jones is no longer a WR2 but rather a Flex play with considerable upside. If you're comfortable starting him with that in mind, then by all means keep trotting him out there. For me, I'll be looking for guys who can rack up some more sustainable volume at the wide receiver position.
Rishard Matthews – WR, MIA
Here's a guy who sort of ended up on this list by little-to-no fault of his own. After a much needed change at head coach, the Miami Dolphins came out firing under the reign of Dan Campbell. In the three games Campbell has coached, the team has leaned heavily on running back Lamar Miller and has had just one big game out of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a demolishing of Houston in Week 7.
Matthews did have a solid outing versus Houston (75 yards, TD) but the fact of the matter is that Miami is a much more ground-based team under Dan Campbell. Not only that but Tannehill has a plethora of weapons at his disposable. I admit that Matthews' numbers are by no means bad. It's just hard to trust a wide receiver who has to compete for targets on a team that has clearly re-emphasized the run. Matthews has earned himself a roster spot in most leagues but there's a difference between someone who is worth hanging on to and a must-own. Matthews clearly falls into the former category.
Updates From Last Week
Demaryius Thomas – WR, DEN
I don't really have anything new to add in regard to Demaryius Thomas. Everything I said last week still applies and if anything, was simply reinforced by his outing against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. He had five receptions for 50 yards and was once again held without a touchdown. With Peyton Manning continuing to struggle and no signs of the touchdown drought ending for Demaryius, you have to continue to roll with the punches here.
Mike Evans – WR, TB
Mike Evans had himself a great day against the New York Giants on Sunday, finishing with eight receptions for 152 yards. The only part about that showing that's concerning is that Evans also had six drops so his day should have actually been even better. Still, it was nice to see him take advantage of the continued absence of Vincent Jackson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Evans shouldn't have many issues going forward.
T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief – WR, IND
I feel like I've had to talk about the Colts in some capacity every week now and to be honest, if it weren't for the newfound injury to Andrew Luck I would have likely glossed over T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief entirely. Last week's discussion aside, the most concerning thing here is obviously the injury to Luck as the Colts QB is expected to miss two to six weeks with a torn abdominal muscle and a lacerated kidney. I'm no doctor but that sounds like a serious list of injuries that should take a hell of a lot longer to heal but I digress. With Matt Hasselbeck under center, both Hilton and Moncrief are nothing more than high-end WR3 options with upside. In a league in which I own Hilton, I'm likely avoiding this situation entirely until Luck returns and I would advise that you do the same.
