👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


Wide Receivers Sending Out Warning Signals: Willie Snead, John Brown, Stefon Diggs

After several weeks of discussing some low-end names at wide receiver, it's looking like it's time to revisit some more eyebrow-raising players at the position. There's one name in particular that's become a cause for concern given the team's injury history this season but the other two managed to play themselves up into fantasy relevance this season. You don't have to be a highly drafted player to obtain fantasy stardom.

Alright, I suppose I'm exaggerating a little but like I've said countless times before, analyzing wide receivers as far as panic mode is concerned is a lot more difficult than running backs. The top notch players are typically less sporadic while the flashes in the pan tend to sizzle out quicker. That said, these are players that were thought to be reliable at one point or another this year.

I would also like to take a second to point out that there are a number of players that are still having concerning seasons but won't be revisited in Warning Signals any time soon. Guys like Randall Cobb and Demaryius Thomas are what they are right now so it wouldn't really do you much good if I keep discussing the same group of receivers every week. If you want a quick one sentence update on those two particular wideouts here it is: Randall Cobb is himself a disappointing season in what is now a struggling Green Bay offense while Demaryius Thomas will continue to struggle to find the endzone now that Brock Osweiller is under center. There you have it.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Wide Receivers Sending Out Warning Signals

Dez Bryant – WR, DAL

This should be the very last time you'll have to worry about Dez Bryant's productivity for the rest of 2015. With quarterback Tony Romo returning this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, Dez should be locked right back into the top five at wide receiver. Not only was he dealing with abysmal quarterback play from the likes of Matt Cassel and Brandon Wedden but Bryant was also coming back from an injury of his own. A foot injury to an athletic wide receiver of Bryant's caliber is enough of a fantasy headache to deal with on its own so having a below average QB is an additional kink in the armor.

Believe it or not, the NFC East is so terrible that the Cowboys aren't even technically out of the race yet. I'm sure as hell not picking them to win the division but that tells me they aren't going to rest Bryant or Romo anytime soon even with their respective injuries. Over the team's last seven games, there's really only one matchup that should scare you and that's the Thanksgiving showdown against the Carolina Panthers. Other than that, it's smooth sailing for the Dallas offense the rest of the way. You can kiss that 45-yard performance goodbye and enjoy the ride through the playoffs.

Willie Snead – WR, NO

It took long enough but the Brandin Cooks breakout is finally taking shape in the middle of the season. What that means for Willie Snead is that his days as the Saints top receiver are well over. Snead had himself a nice little run while Cooks struggled to find his niche in the offense but it's clear that their roles have reversed since then. In looking at this overall numbers this season, his stat line is actually kind of inflated by just two games. He had a huge 141-yard outing against the Philadelphia Eagles and reeled in two touchdowns against the New York Giants, the latter of which was a throwaway game given how insane the scoring was for both teams. His most recent bout with the Washington Redskins saw him end the day without recording a single catch so it's clear he's capable of putting up some duds as well.

Snead is the type of player that warrants a roster spot given the team he plays for and the ability he's already shown on the field. As far as actually using him goes, he's not much higher than a WR3/flex play barring an injury to Brandin Cooks. Should you happen to play in a deeper league or in a PPR format, Snead's value certainly increases. Other than that you're looking at a nice little bench player with some upside.

John Brown – WR, ARI

I've been a strong proponent of John Brown since the summer when I viewed him as the potential successor to Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. He's had himself somewhat of a roller coaster season that's been clouded by injury as well as an offense that spreads the ball around considerably. Look no further than his last four games if you doubt that statement. Brown was held without a catch against the Seahawks on Sunday night, had 65 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens, was ruled active but didn't play against the Browns, and went crazy against the Steelers for 196 yards.

Perhaps the larger issue with Brown currently is that Michael Floyd has turned up the volume as of late. Floyd's recent surge in production has the Cardinals reevaluating who their true No. 2 wide receiver is. Unfortunately, Floyd is now dealing with a hamstring of his own so this situation is likely to stay murky before we're left with some clarity. Honestly, given how potent and consistent this offense has been this year I think you can use both Brown and Floyd for fantasy purposes as both players possess a great deal of upside. Obviously you'll want to monitor the overall health of this team but generally I think Brown is still a usable piece at wide receiver.

 

Updates From Last Week

Stefon Diggs – WR, MIN

I know this marks two straight weeks of disappointing outings for rookie sensation Stefon Diggs but given the circumstances in which they occurred I'm still holding out hope this is a rarity. The first dud came against the St. Louis Rams in a game in which quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had to exit with a concussion, leaving Diggs to deal with backup Shaun Hill. Secondly, Sunday's matchup against the Oakland Raiders was The Adrian Peterson Show as he racked up over 200 yards in a game the Vikings didn't even need to throw the ball. I'm confident better days are ahead for Stefon Diggs.

James Jones – WR, GB

Like I said last week, the return of Davante Adams pretty much spells doom for James Jones. Jones now has three poor showings in a row. Throw in a catch-less performance against the Lions and an insane 21 targets for Adams and it's looking like Jones isn't even usable anymore. You're not dropping the No. 3 receiver on the Green Bay Packers but you definitely can't start him with any confidence unless you're desperate at this point.

Rishard Matthews – WR, MIA

"Meh." That's basically all I have to say about the Miami passing attack. This is Lamar Miller's team, everyone else isn't anything more than a bench stash, Rishard Matthews included.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Braelon Allen

Dynasty Stock Takes a Hit After Teammate's Extension
Josh Allen

Still the Top Dynasty QB in his Prime
Kyler Murray

Suddenly a Rising Dynasty Target in Minnesota
Logan Webb

on Track to Start Against Dodgers on Monday
Mike Matheson

Leads by Example in Game 2 Win
Jakub Dobes

Rebounds After Loss Yet Again for Montreal
Rachaad White

Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues Despite a Path to Upside
Alex Newhook

Sets Tone in Big Montreal Victory
Stephon Castle

Overcomes Shooting Struggles Friday
Jake Tonges

Should by Now Be Rostered by Every Kittle Dynasty Manager
Anthony Edwards

Carries Heavy Usage in Defeat
Chig Okonkwo

a Clear Breakout Candidate in Washington
Lukas Dostal

Gets Pulled in Game 3 Loss on Friday
Victor Wembanyama

Joins Historic Playoff Company
Mikal Bridges

Continues Postseason Surge with 23-Point Game
Aaron Jones Sr.

Still a Low-Cost, Short-Term Dynasty Target
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Keeps Scoring Role Alive
Romeo Doubs

' Buy Window Could Soon Be Wide Open
Joel Embiid

Held to 18 Points in 76ers Game 3 Loss
Brett Howden

Notches Sixth Goal of the Postseason
Jalen Brunson

Tallies 33 Points to Take 3-0 Series Lead
VEG

Mitch Marner Hat Trick Helps Vegas Take Series Lead
Pat Bryant

Working With Training Staff This Offseason
Jacoby Brissett

in Communication With Cardinals Despite Skipping Workouts
Daniel Jones

Could Take Part in 7-on-7 Drills at OTAs
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Sam Merrill

Iffy for Game 3 on Saturday
Anthony Edwards

Rejoins Starting Lineup Friday
Kevin Huerter

Likely to Remain Out Saturday
Jarred Vanderbilt

Considered Questionable for Saturday
Jalen Williams

Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers
Ayo Dosunmu

Cleared to Play Friday
Anthony Edwards

Available Friday Night
Joel Embiid

is Returning for Game 3 on Friday
Brandon Ingram

Undergoes Heel Surgery
Josh Hart

is Available to Play in Game 3
OG Anunoby

is Downgraded to Out for Game 3 on Friday
Mitchell Robinson

is Returning for Game 3
Mats Zuccarello

Expected to Play Saturday
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Be a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jonas Brodin

Still Out Saturday
Josh Manson

Could Return Saturday
Kaedan Korczak

Scratched for Game 3 Against Ducks
Radko Gudas

Likely to Remain Out Friday
Sam Carrick

Won't Play Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Rico Dowdle

Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Rashid Shaheed

a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Marcus Mariota

Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?
Jacoby Brissett

a Clear Sell-High Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Najee Harris

Can Najee Harris Re-Establish Some Dynasty Value in 2026?
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Breece Hall

Jets Sign Breece Hall to Three-Year Extension Worth $45.75 Million
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
Denver Broncos

Broncos Sign GM George Paton to New Five-Year Deal
Brandon McManus

Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus
New York Jets

Jets Talking to a "Number of Veteran Quarterbacks"
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
Austin Reaves

Scores 31 Points in Game 2 Defeat
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
Chet Holmgren

Anchors Thunder Past Lakers in Game 2
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Connor Dewar

Penguins Re-Sign Connor Dewar for Two Years
Mikko Rantanen

Played Through Torn MCL Late in the Season
Rasmus Dahlin

Ready to Go Friday
Alexander Nikishin

Set to Return Thursday
Christian Dvorak

Available Thursday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Mark Stone

Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF