Today we examine players No. 92-90 in our fantasy football rankings of the top 101 PPR players. Are any of these players on your radar?
In yesterday’s article, a running back took two of the three spots. Today we go wide receiver heavy as all three spots are dedicated to pass catchers.
In PPR leagues we love players who can see a lot of targets and rack up the receptions. With free agency playing a big part for these three players and their teams, which one will emerge as the best option in 2017?
To be clear, the top 101 PPR players are for re-draft leagues only. Here’s a look at players ranked No. 92-90:
92. Jordan Matthews, WR – Philadelphia Eagles
Despite going into his fourth-year in the NFL, Jordan Matthews situation is a little bit of an unknown heading into 2017. It has nothing to do with his production or health. Instead, it’s because the Eagles added a lot of new players to their offense.
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During the offseason the Eagles added wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith in free agency. In the NFL Draft, they added North Carolina’s Mack Hollins in the fourth round and West Virginia’s Shelton Gibson in the fifth round. With so many new weapons on the offense, it’s tough to say how many targets Matthews will see.
Matthews has seen over 100 targets in each of his three years in the NFL but this might be the first year he doesn’t reach the triple-digit mark.
The one benefit for Matthews, despite all the Eagles additions, is none of those players should challenge Matthews playing time in the slot. Matthews has a decent floor but a low ceiling heading into 2017. After scoring a career-low three touchdowns in 2016, his touchdown total in 2017 will play a big part in determining how much he helps owners.
91. Kenny Britt, WR – Cleveland Browns
It’s never too late for a player to revive his career, and after last season, it looks like Kenny Britt is on the path of doing just that.
After being selected in the first-round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Britt’s career has dealt with injuries, arrests and a lot of disappointment. Yet, last season with the Los Angeles Rams Britt set career highs in receptions (68) and receiving yards (1,002). This helped him finish as the 28th-PPR wide receiver in 2016.
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This season, Britt is with the Cleveland Browns and is locked in as a starter along with second-year man Corey Coleman. Last year, Terrelle Pryor saw 140 targets and was the19th-PPR WR as the Browns No. 1 receiver. With Pryor now in Washington, Britt should expect to see at least 120 targets and should be in the WR3 conversation. Britt might not be a flashy pick but if he stays healthy he should match last year’s numbers. My advice: Don’t sleep on Britt.
90. Cameron Meredith, WR – Chicago Bears
In 2016 Chicago Bears wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey, Kevin White and Eddie Royal missed multiple games either due to an injury or suspension. Former undrafted free agent Cameron Meredith took advantage of the situation. Meredith ended up leading the Bears in targets (97), receptions (66) and receiving yards (888) while also tying for the most receiving touchdowns (4).
Going into this year, Meredith is penciled in as a starter after the Bears lost Alshon Jeffrey in free agency. Kevin White is the team’s other starting wide receiver but what kind of impact he can have in 2017 still remains an unknown. This makes Meredith the early favorite to once again lead the Bears in targets, receptions and receiving yards.
Next: Fantasy Football Top 101 PPR Players for 2017: No. 95-93
Meredith is a good bet to surpass last year’s numbers and to do better than his 2016 finish as 40th-PPR wide receiver.