Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
With wide receiver Brandon Marshall going on IR after a couple of broken ribs and a collapsed lung, the door is open for second year receiver Marquess Wilson to get some meaningful reps in the final three games of the season. As a Brandon Marshall fantasy owner myself, I’m looking for a replacement on the fantasy roster, but I’m not sure Wilson is the answer.
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Hopes were high for Wilson to have a breakout sophomore season after spending last offseason training alongside Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and the rest of the “South Bears” in Miami. Unfortunately for Wilson and the rest of the Bears offense, he suffered a broken collarbone in training camp and missed the first half of the season. He returned on November 16th against the Vikings to the tune of two catches for 11 yards. Through four games in 2014, Wilson has piled up 5 catches for 40 yards while playing third banana to Marshall and Jeffery.
The concern I have with a Wilson breakout is that he hasn’t looked good in his limited opportunities. He’s been targeted 14 times this season and caught just 5 balls. He was supposed to be the burner that was going to take the top off opposing defense, but he’s averaging 5.5 yards per catch with a long catch of 10 yards.
I think Wilson picks up a little fantasy value, but if you’re heading into your playoff matchup expecting him to put up WR1 or ever WR2 type of numbers, I’d temper your expectations. I think that Jeffery gets a big uptick in targets and the rest will be split between running back Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett and maybe a hint of Josh Morgan.
Marquess Wilson Fantasy Forecast: 5 catches, 60 yards, 0 TD’s