RADIO
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson hasn’t helped his owners getting to championship week, but now that it’s finally here – he might be able to help! Johnson has missed the past two weeks with a groin injury, but finally returned to practice this week.
If Johnson plays on Thursday night against the Oakland Raiders, he can be considered a WR3. When he was actually healthy enough to play he hauled in 45 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns. Considering quarterback Phillip Rivers doesn’t have a lot of options in the passing game, he would love to have Johnson back in the lineup and would likely target him early and often.
But before you submit him into your lineup, be sure he actually suits up and is ready to play.
One wide receiver who has not practiced this week, and likely won’t, is Chicago Bears star Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery hurt his hamstring in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings and is now considered questionable for Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jeffery will likely end up being a game time decision, which isn’t what his owners want to hear heading into championship week. If Jeffery plays, he’s a WR1, especially against the horrible Bucs’ secondary.
In the nine games that he has played this season, he has 54 receptions for 807 yards and four touchdowns. In addition to his unquestioned talent, he is really the only viable option quarterback Jay Cutler has in the passing game. In other words, if Jeffery plays, he’s sure to see a ton of targets.
Keep a close eye on Jeffery’s status this week.
If you are looking for a receiver who isn’t at risk of missing Week 16, look no further than Oakland Raiders tart rookie Amari Cooper. Although Cooper has been dealing with a foot injury, he is listed as probable on the team’s injury report and is fully expected to play on Thursday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers.
Cooper should be considered a WR2 this week. Through 14 games he has hauled in 68 passes for 1040 yards and six touchdowns. Those are pretty impressive numbers for a rookie receiver working with a young quarterback in Derek Carr.
Speaking of Carr, I also like him as a QB1 this week. I’m not saying you go out of your way to bench Carson Palmer, Cam Newton or Tom Brady for him, but he’s definitely worth starting consideration.
