In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by BetMGM:
There’s nothing worse than narrowly missing the playoffs with a team that is just starting to get hot.
But on the flip side, there’s nothing better than squeaking into the playoffs with a team that is about to get reinforcements.
Here are four WRs who are likely to return just in time for some playoff help …
Josh Downs: After missing a game, Downs was back at practice yesterday following the Colts’ bye week. Last time we saw the Broncos pass defense they were giving up a 235-yard game to Jerry Jeudy. Do with that what you will.
Cedric Tillman: Speaking of Browns WRs, Tillman returned to practice yesterday as he works his way out of the concussion protocol. Tillman’s splits without Amari Cooper have been elite and I would happily start him vs. the Chiefs this week if he’s active.
Romeo Doubs: Doubs practiced in full yesterday, despite remaining in the protocol. The Packers/Seahawks SNF tilt has fireworks potential, so Doubs is certainly on the menu as a WR3/FLEX play.
Hollywood Brown: This is more of a wait-and-see for Week 16 than a Week 15 play, but Brown is expected to practice this week and is “getting close” to a return, per Andy Reid.
What else is in today’s newsletter?
- Stat of the Day: A WR Primed To Pop In Buffalo
- Watercooler: Xavier Legette eats what?!
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A WR Primed To Pop In Buffalo
- By Matt LaMarca
STAT: Amari Cooper had a 54% air yards share against the Rams
Cooper saw a big jump in usage against the Rams. He ended the day with six catches and 95 yards but saw a whopping 14 targets and led the Bills with a 38% target share.
The conversion rate looks awful, but you have to consider both the game flow (the Bills were behind all game) and the route tree Cooper was working. Via our Utilization Report, the former Raider and Cowboy had a 54% air yards share in Week 13 and was consistently getting targeted on deep balls along the sideline vs the Rams' smaller corners.
Not all of those throws worked out but Cooper did come down with a couple of big gains which propelled him to his best fantasy day since Week 7. The Bills won’t always be behind by multiple scores, so Cooper’s 14 targets aren’t necessarily repeatable, but at least we know what his upside is in this offense and that the potential for a massive day is there—in the right scenario.
By the way, the Bills are road underdogs this week against Detroit and will be playing in a dome for the second week in a row. The Lions, like the Rams, also have an explosive offense and a weaker set of corners, so we may see Cooper pop off again and potentially even best his Week 14 production.
The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds:
👀 The QB the Giants have been searching for? He could be their answer in the draft …
✈️ Bill Belichick’s next gig? Heading back to school.
🚨 FRAUD CHECK — Can Jared Goff stay hot?
🤔 More NFL draft predictions? Thor jumped on SiriusXM to break down his mock.
🤝 Updated RB handcuff rankings for the fantasy playoffs. Stay one step ahead!
🤣 Xavier Legette is hilarious. Watch ARSB’s reaction.
😎 Week 15 Starts and Sits … Dwain, Ian, and Chris dive in.
👎️ Doesn’t sound good for Breece Hall. Keep tabs on this.
