Week 16 – WR Rankings

Photo By: Cary Edmondson / USA TODAY Sports

While many have made the case for Michael Crabtree being a first round bust, it appears the 4th year receiver is starting to come into his own. Early signs in the off-season suggested this could be a breakout year for Crabtree, if for no other reason than he finally overcame his problematic foot issues.

For the first-time Crabtree actually played in a preseason game this August, and thankfully his foot ailments appear to be a thing of the past.

The best thing that ever happened for Crabtree was Alex Smith’s demotion in the middle of the season. It’s not that Crabtree and Smith weren’t having success together, but more that Colin Kaepernick has the physical tools to allow Crabtree to work the full route tree and have a legitimate opportunity to catch a pass on any route he runs.

Over the past three weeks Crabtree is clearly Kaepernick’s favorite receiver with 34 targets (no fewer than eleven targets in a game during that span) giving the 49ers No.1 receiver 23 receptions for 301-yards and two scores.

With Kaepernick under center Crabtree will likely be valued as a low-end WR2 come draft day next year, and he should be viewed as such through the final weeks of his season. Keep a close eye on the availability of Richard Sherman this week as he faces a possible suspension on Friday.

If Sherman is out, the Seahawks will have trouble slowing down Crabtree in this game as backup corners Walter Thurmond and Marcus Trufant are battling hamstring ailments.

What Did We Learn From Week 15?

- If there is one thing we can say for sure in Buffalo it’s that when Fred Jackson is out of the lineup it equals Steve Johnson in the end zone. After a week one injury against the Jets that held Jackson out until week four, Johnson had a touchdown score each game in the Bills first three games.

Last week, Jackson was out of the lineup again and surprise, Johnson scored his sixth touchdown of the season. It’s a shame that Ryan Fitzpatrick is so limited as a passer because Johnson’s play and involvement in the offense suggest his numbers should be better than they are.

Look to Johnson as a low-end WR2 this week as the Bills will continue to lean on Johnson and C.J. Spiller with Jackson out of the lineup.

- Hakeem Nicks continues to be hobbled by a knee injury. Who knows if Nicks knee injury is a result form returning from his foot injury this summer too soon, but what we do know is Nicks clearly has an issue with nagging health problems throughout his four years in the NFL. Assuming Nicks plays this weekend, he will remain a WR3 play with upside.

Sean’s Week 16 Watch List

- If you had Danario Alexander in your lineup, I feel your pain as the second half breakout receiver was held without a catch against the Panthers. After such a promising six game run, and coming off his best performance as a pro against the Steelers it appeared as if Alexander was a shoe in for WR1 production last week, against a banged up Panthers secondary.

Not to be the case and now Alexander will face the Jets and Antonio Cromartie this weekend. If Malcom Floyd headed for injured reserve, it could be another frustrating performance for Alexander this weekend, so view him as a WR3 play with upside.

- Same old song and dance for Steve Smith, as he’s only as good as the quarterback play he has to work with. Before Cam Newton came to town Smith labored through some bad years, and with Newton struggling through most of this season, Smith was a disappointing option for fantasy owners.

With Newton back to playing at a Pro Bowl level over the past four weeks, Smith has returned to producing as a steady WR2 play with upside. Playing against a shaky Raiders secondary, I like Smith as a top five option this week.

Week 16 Standard Rankings – QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex | K | D | Waivers | Start – Sit |

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