Fantasy Football: Players to Target in the 2nd Half
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WR
Odell Beckham Jr, Giants (59%) – If you watched the excellent “Finding Giants” TV series, you know that the Giants were sold on Beckham well before the draft. They are high on Beckham for good reason; He is a perfect fit for the Giants quick pass offense and with Victor Cruz out for the rest of the year, Beckham should be on the field just about every offensive snap and put up enough numbers to deserve a spot in your starting lineup.
Doug Baldwin, Seahawks (56%) – The Percy Harvin trade has left Baldwin as the clear-cut #1 WR in Seattle. He’s averaging 9.5 targets in the two games since the trade and should continue to see close to 10 targets a game. Baldwin is a possession receiver but should be able to average 10+ fantasy points in PPR leagues the rest of the way.
Allen Robinson, Jaguars (32%) – He’s already Blake Bortles’ #1 WR and his numbers should keep improving as the game slows down for the rookie Bortles. Robinson has TDs in his last two games and should be owned in every format.
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Jordan Matthews, Eagles (18%) – I’ve been preaching about Matthews 2nd half value all season and after his 11 targets last week it looks like I may actually be right for once. Matthews has surpassed Riley Cooper as Nick Foles second option after Maclin and I think 7+ targets per game the rest of the way is realistic. Go get him.
John Brown, Cardinals (17%) – Might be the most fun rookie to watch in one of the strongest rookie WR classes in years. Brown has already become Carson Palmer’s primary deep threat and his targets should increase in the 2nd half. Cardinals HC Bruce Arians compared Brown to Marvin Harrison this week so clearly they are high on Brown.
TE
Travis Kelce, Chiefs (75%)* – His last two outings have been disappointing, but Kelce scored in three consecutive games before his mini-slump. He is the best receiving option that the Chiefs have and they will eventually wise up and give him more playing time and targets.
Jace Amaro, Jets (7%) – The Jets QB situation is a mess, but Amaro has already shown flashes of being a top 10 fantasy TE. He’s dropped a lot of passes already, but had sure hands in college so it shouldn’t be an issue once he gets used to playing in the NFL and relaxes a little. I wouldn’t start Amaro in anything but a 14-16 team league right now, but by the time the fantasy playoffs roll around Amaro could be a force.
* There wasn’t a 2nd TEs owned in under 60% of leagues that I think will develop into a solid fantasy starter in the 2nd half of the season so I stretched the qualifications a bit. Whatever.