RADIO
Charles Clay 16% Owned
In his first season in Buffalo, Clay looks like he’s been there for all five years of his career. This past week in Miami, Clay juked his way past three of his former teammates for a 25 yard score en route to five receptions for 82 yards. This was Clay’s best game of the season, but his first two games were pretty significant as well. In Week 1 he caught four balls for 43 yards and in week 2 had 3 receptions for 19 yards with a touchdown. Clay has played 92.9 percent of offensive snaps so far this season and his 16 targets are second to Percy Harvin’s 18.
This week LeSean McCoy will not be playing, per reports, giving Clay more looks in the passing game. This week is a great matchup for Clay. The Giants have given up 14 fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, fourth worst in the league. Last Thursday night, the Giants got shredded by Washington tight end Jordan Reed. The Giants defense is a mess. The following week Clay gets another favorable matchup against the Titans who give up 11 fantasy points per game to tight ends, seventh worst in the league. Don’t even worry about a backup tight end stealing playing time. Matthew Mulligan has played on 23 percent of snaps and has one reception for two yards.
Tyrod Taylor has looked better and better every week. Maybe Rex Ryan does know what he’s doing with quarterbacks. I’m joking, clearly. But Taylor does seem competent hitting Clay. He targets Clay all game and Clay is his go-to underneath and check down receiver. Clay is showing he deserved to get paid from Miami after they declined to match the Bills offer sheet this summer. He signed with Buffalo on a five year, $38 million deal with $24 in guaranteed money. Buffalo seems to love Clay and will continue to feature him all season long.
Eric Ebron 15% Owned
Ebron is taking full advantage of Brandon Pettigrew’s hamstring injury sustained in Week 1. Playing 96.2 percent of snaps, Ebron has 13 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He is also third on the team with 20 targets.
This week Detroit goes on the road to Seattle. The Seahawks have been giving up 10 fantasy points per game, 24th in the league. In Week 1 they gave up 5 catches for 85 yards to Rams tight end Jared Cook, although that was without Pro-Bowl safety Kam Chancellor. Even though Chancellor played last week I don’t think he is completely up to speed yet, which will allow Ebron to (possibly) have a good game. The Lions will likely be playing from behind, meaning they will throw the ball a lot. Stafford will dump it off to Ebron when need be. Stafford has thrown the third most pass attempts in the NFL so far. Look for him to live up to his ranking this week.
For as long as Pettigrew is injured, Ebron will be a reliable tight end worthy of a roster spot in 14 team leagues. Having been the 10th overall draft pick two years ago, there is plenty of talent here. His role will continue to grow as he continues to grow accustomed to NFL competition in his second year. Stafford will trust him more as the season moves along. Hopefully Jim Caldwell gives him that chance all year long.
Jared Cook 15% Owned
The quarterback change in St. Louis has not slowed Cook down one bit. He is enjoying yet another quick start to a season with 11 receptions for 139 yards. He is second with 16 targets to Kenny Britt’s 17 and is playing 81.1 percent of snaps, which is a career high.
The schedule is not the most favorable, with road trips to Arizona and Green Bay in the coming weeks. Still, Cook can have some big garbage time points. Arizona could very well get out to a large lead yet again and give up garbage time points. Green Bay blows teams out at home, as shown on Monday night against the Chiefs. The Pack also gave up a ton of garbage time points. Look for Jeff Fisher to try and control the game clock in both games, opting for a running game and short passes in Cook’s direction. He will get his receptions these next two weeks and hopefully a touchdown or three. Cook will produce at points throughout the season. He is worth a stash now.
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