Underachieving Wide Receivers

September 25, 2008 at 7:42 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Underachieving Wide Receivers Inevitably, many fantasy owners find themselves dumbfounded and perplexed by the poor play of several wide receivers that were considered top of the line pass catchers heading into the 2008 season. Granted, one of them has only played two games, and another lost his starting QB in Week 1, but for the others, there seems to be no legitimate reason why they shouldn’t be playing well right now.

Instead, they have had owners who selected them within the first five rounds of fantasy drafts with high expectations reeling due to their low output. But there is something that can be done about each of them moving forward. Let’s break this thing down.

Andre Johnson, Texans WR – After posting huge digits in only eight games last season, Johnson was considered an x-factor by many owners, as he was selected between rounds three and five in most fantasy drafts this summer due to his high potential. The Texans passing game was one that we thought would be extremely improved after facing hardships due to injuries last season, but instead, a healthy Matt Schaub has been absolutely horrible in two games, throwing one TD and five interceptions, affecting Johnson’s fantasy output. The former third overall pick in the NFL Draft succeed in spite of Schaub in Week 1, hauling in 10 balls for 112 yards against Pittsburgh, but didn’t make an impact in Week 3 at Tennessee, catching only two balls for 29 yards.

What should owners do about Johnson? Keep him and start him. Following this week at Jacksonville, Houston is scheduled to play their next four games at home, against the Colts, Dolphins, Lions and Bengals – all teams that are susceptible to allowing big numbers in the passing game. Even if Schaub continues to struggle, there is a logical answer – Sage Rosenfels. With Steve Slaton established as the team’s go-to running back, expect things to fall in place for Houston’s passing attack sooner rather than later.

Braylon Edwards, Browns WR – If I would have told you Edwards – who had 16 TDs in 2007 – would have eight catches for 73 yards after Week 3, you would have thought I meant that he had eight catches for 73 yards in Week 3. To make matters seem even worse, Cleveland’s whole offense is struggling. QB Derek Anderson is looking like a one-year wonder, RB Jamal Lewis is showing his age and wear, and free agent acquisition Donte’ Stallworth hasn’t even played yet due to a leg injury.

What should owners do about Edwards? Start him in Week 4, then look to deal him. Braylon should break out of his slump in Week 4, against a horrible Bengals defense, making him worthy of starting this week. This is not the same Browns team from a year ago, however, and after he puts up solid stats in Week 4, his owners should take advantage of renewed interest. Dynasty owners should still be able to get a boatload for the 6’3”, 25 year old, while seasonal owners should be happy with a red hot receiver like Chris Chambers or Greg Jennings. In other words, get out of a bad offense now and into one that can help you.

Roy Williams, Lions WR – We saw this coming from a mile away. Not only does Roy Boy play for a horrible team, but he is also now playing second fiddle to Calvin Johnson. Williams, once a number one WR in the National Football League, has been quoted as calling himself a role player recently. Judging by the fact that his production has decreased every week this season – as he only caught two balls for 18 yards in Week 3 at San Francisco – he’s right.

What should owners do about Williams? Trade him. Honestly, even though the schedule isn’t that tough following Detroit’s Week 4 bye, Williams just isn’t a gamer folks. He’s a complainer and he doesn’t play 100 percent. He just doesn’t. You don’t want a guy like that on your fantasy squad heading into the thick of the season. Again, getting into a good offense is preferable. Seasonal owners could target guys like Eddie Royal, Lee Evans or Vincent Jackson, while dynasty owners should be looking at similar options, or possibly at multiple future draft picks and a serviceable veteran like Donald Driver.

Chad Ocho Cinco, Bengals WR – 8-5 barely has more than 85 yards receiving after three games this season. After all the headaches he’s caused his teammates and the Bengals organization this off-season, that’s freaking ridiculous. Not only should fantasy owners be looking to get rid of this guy, but his NFL franchise should be as well. Antonio Chatman produced more in Week 3 at New York than Chad has all season, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is back after catching 12 balls for 140 plus yards and a score last week.

What should owners do about Johnson? Both seasonal and dynasty owners alike should try to get what they can for him. He’s a bust folks. At this point, we’re beyond believing that it’s his choice that he’s playing this poorly. After ankle and shoulder injuries this off-season, Chad may need to recuperate physically before he once again becomes effective. A guy like Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe would be a steal for Chad straight up, or taking another guy on this list – Pittsburgh’s Santonio Holmes – would be smart as well.

Randy Moss, Patriots WR – Chances are, if Moss is on your seasonal squad, you drafted him within the top 15 picks. Obviously, through three games, he’s not playing like a top 15 pick, and his top signal caller isn’t coming back this season.

What should owners do about Moss? Have faith and start him every week. The Pats are on bye this week, but then have an extremely favorable schedule coming out of the break. Look, the Patriots need Randy Moss in order to succeed. He’s a leader on that team and he will have his fair share of phenomenal games, regardless of who is QB is. He won’t produce like he did last season, but he’ll still come out of 2008 as a top 10 wide receiver – mark my words.

Santonio Holmes, Steelers WR – Okay – many, many folks drafted the Steelers’ third year WR very early in drafts this summer, expecting him to be the next guy to make the jump from sleeper to stud. I just didn’t see it. Holmes makes big plays occasionally, but is far from a reception hog, and is still clearly second fiddle to Hines Ward in Ben Roethlisberger’s progressions and comfort zone.

What should owners do about Holmes? Bench him until the bye. He has the Ravens and Jags prior to a Week 6 bye, which he comes out of playing four of his next six games at home, against teams like the Bengals (twice), Chargers and Giants – who have all been thrown on quite a bit this season. I guess, in short, look for Holmes to bounce back and have a solid year. He’s a boom or bust guy, and so far – he has busted.

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