WRs with mid-tier rankings in ESPN FFL that will outperform

Donte Moncrief (ranked 25) vs. Ten – If Hilton’s hurt then Moncrief might have another WR1 fantasy outcome like Monday. It’s clear that Luck is more comfortable with him than Andre Johnson.

Michael Crabtree (ranked 40) vs. Cle – If CB Joe Haden keys in on Amari Cooper, expect Crabtree to have his number called plenty.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (ranked 56) vs. Stl. – He’s earned his way into a flex role and Roethlisberger is looking to him deep.

Terrance Williams (ranked 29) vs. Atl – Someone needs to step up in Dallas. Williams should be the guy and this matchup is favorable.

Larry Fitzgerald (ranked 13) vs. SF – Look for the ageless wonder to put up top 10 FFL numbers against SF.

Top 10 ranked WRs who will underperform

DeAndre Hopkins (ranked vs. TB – Hopkins is dealing with a concussion and it’s difficult to endorse any receiver playing with Ryan Mallett. He’ll finish outside of the top 10.

AJ Green (ranked 6) vs. Bal – Green has historically performed well against the Ravens but he is off to a slow start and the Ravens are desperate.

WRs who will outperform their ranking in Week 1 ESPN Fantasy Ranking.

John Brown vs. NO (Ranked  30): See above under Carson Palmer. The Saints DBs are hurting and they have no one who can keep up with Brown. The speedy 2nd year player could have a big day with a long TD.

Charles Johnson vs. SF (Ranked 32): No team took as many hits to its defense as the 49ers. Johnson was a bright spot last year and developed a strong rapport with Bridgewater. He’ll be a prime target once again on MNF.

Rueben Randle vs. Dal (Ranked 33): Cruz is iffy and not sure to play. Randle will step in as the #2 WR and will have a lot of opportunities against a suspect Cowboys secondary. This could be a high scoring game which would translate to a strong showing on Randle’s part.

Eddie Royal vs. GB (Ranked 39): Alshon Jeffery is not at full strength and rookie Kevin White may not play this year. Look for Royal to step up early and is a strong flex play in PPR leagues.

Markhus Wheaton vs. NE (Ranked 36): The Pats have a complete revamped secondary and don’t appear particularly impressive defensively on paper. Wheaton will see increased looks with Bell and Martavius Bryant out for the opener.

Allen Robinson vs. Car (Ranked 21): He was Bortles go-to receiver a year ago and possess the best RAC (run after catch) skills. The Panthers D was much softer in ’14 than ’13 and its pass D was exposed plenty.

Nelson Agholor vs. Atl (Ranked 31): Kelly didn’t draft him to sit. Look for the rookie to come out of the gates strong on MNF.

WRs who will underperform their top 10 ranking

Dez Bryant vs. NYG: (Ranked 3): The Giants have issues entering the game but feature one of the better CB duos in the league. Bryant will underperform.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Bal – (Ranked 10): The 2nd half of last season was a completely different offense in Denver and expectations should be tempered until we see how this year’s will be run. Sanders was a casualty of the run-first offense down the stretch a year ago.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas

Tier 1

Jordy Nelson vs. Buf – The Bills cover than people think.

Odell Beckham vs. Was – The superstar rookie will abuse the Skins secondary.

Alshon Jeffery vs. NO – He instantly becomes a top tier No. 1 with Brandon Marshall out.

TY Hilton vs. Hou – Hilton went over 200 yards in their last game. Look for another solid effort.

AJ Green vs. Cle – Joe Haden usually plays Green tough.

Roddy White vs. Pit – Expect the Falcons to have success in the air.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. SD – The Chargers feature a top 10 pass D but Sanders put up 3 TDs and 100 yards in their 1st outing.

Mike Evans vs. Car – The rookie is still on a tear. That will continue against the Panthers.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Dal – Maclin should own the Cowboys D.

Tier 2

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Ind – Hopkins has a decided advantage when CB Vontae Davis isn’t covering him.

Sammy Watkins vs. GB – The previously stingy Packers pass D looked atrocious Monday Night.

Randall Cobb vs. Buf – He might have more success than Nelson.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – Allen plays well against the Broncos.

Julian Edleman vs. Mia – Solid play in PPR leagues.

Kenny Stills vs. Chi – Stills threw in a stinker in Week 14. Chicago is a much more favorable matchup.

Josh Gordon vs. Cin – Going with Johnny Manziel will impact Gordon’s standing.

Steve Smith vs. Jax – Smith will have a field day against the lowly Jags.

Pierre Garcon vs. NYG – Jackson’s injury improves Garcon’s value.

Bust

Michael Crabtree vs. Sea – Kaepernick is struggling mightily and this is not the defense to get back on track.

Fantasy Sleeper

Martavis Bryant vs. Atl – His deep speed is deadly and the Falcons don’t cover well.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, Jordy Nelson, AJ Green, Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Marshall

Tier 1

Alshon Jeffery vs. Dal – Jeffery will top 20 FFL points in PPR leagues against a worn out Dallas D.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Buf – Peyton’s 1a choice will be a load for the Bills D.

Randall Cobb vs. Atl – The Falcons porous D will have few answers for Cobb.

TY Hilton vs. Cle – The Browns are well stacked at DB but Hilton’s playmaking ability will return him to the end zone.

Josh Gordon vs. Ind – If DB Vontae Davis is out then Gordon could break out in a big way.

Julio Jones vs. GB – Jones refound his earlier form against the Cards.

DeSean Jackson vs. Stl – McCoy’s return ignited the offense. Check the injury report for Jackson’s status.

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Jax – Hopkins star is rising in his 2nd season. He’s supplanted Andre Johnson as the No. 1.

Odell Beckham vs. Ten – He’s the only Giants playmaker. Beckham will top 20 FFL points in PPR leagues.

Kenny Stills vs. Car – Stills will top 100 yards with a TD.

Golden Tate vs. TB – There are plenty of balls to go around. Tate’s a 10-13 point threat.

Tier 2

Jeremy Maclin vs. Sea – It’s tough going against Richard Sherman and Co.

Brandon Lafell vs. SD – He is clearly Brady’s top outside threat.

Mike Evans vs. Det – The Lions tough D will knock the talented rookie down a notch.

Mike Wallace vs. Bal – Baltimore’s CBs are a weak spot. Wallace could get deep for a long one.

Steve Smith vs. Mia – Look for 90 yards and a TD.

Julian Edleman vs. SD – Stronger in PPR leagues.

Kelvin Benjamin vs. NO – The Saints secondary is a mess.

Andre Johnson vs. Jax – This is an easier matchup but Johnson remains a No. 2 / flex play at this point.

Bust

Sammy Watkins vs. Den – The Denver pass rush and CB Aqib Talib will keep Watkins in check.

Fantasy Sleeper

Jarvis Landry vs. Bal – The Fins slot receiver has stepped into a viable No. 2 WR. He’s a solid fantasy sleeper this week.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, AJ Green, Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Marshall and Josh Gordon

Tier 1

Emmanuel Sanders vs. KC – He’s been on a tear. That will continue in KC.

Randall Cobb vs. NE – His style is better suited against a tough Pats pass D.

Golden Tate vs. Chi – Stafford made a concerted effort to get him the ball. The Bears will be down a few in the secondary on Thursday.

TY Hilton vs. Was – The Skins are improved but have no one who can keep up with Hilton’s speed.

Julio Jones vs. Arz – The Cards still rank 25th stopping the pass. Jones will top 100 yards with a TD.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Dal – Expect 17-20 FFL points in PPR leagues this week.

Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Jax – The back of the defense is limited in Jacksonville.

Steve Smith Sr. vs. SD – Look for 100 yards and a TD.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Det – The Lions D is tough but Jeffery will top at 90 yards with a TD.

Roddy White vs. Arz – See Julio Jones. White will top 15 FFL points.

DeSean Jackson vs. Ind – Jackson will break a long one on Sunday.

Tier 2

Mike Evans vs. Cin – Evans is on a tear but faces a tall order this week.

Sammy Watkins vs. Cle – Watkins upside is limited by Joe Haden and Kyle Orton to a lesser extent.

Jarvis Landry vs. NYJ – The Dolphins #3 is taking on a more prominent role each week. He is a strong play in PPR leagues.

Keenan Allen vs. Bal – The 2nd year receiver is starting to come on. Baltimore is short handed at CB.

Anquan Boldin vs. Sea – Boldin’s the 49ers most reliable threat against a tough Seahawks D.

Jordan Matthews vs. Dal – Sanchez loves throwing to him over the middle.

Andre Johnson vs. Ten – The Titans tough pass D limits Johnson’s upside.

Vincent Jackson vs. Cin – Look for 60 yards and 4-5 catches.

Kenny Stills vs. Pit – He is now Brees’ outside threat.

Martavis Bryant vs. NO – Bryant is back at home (5 TDs in three career games) and gets a reeling D.

Kelvin Benjamin vs. Min – He’ll bounce back with a solid game although the Vikes are 7th against the pass.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Atl – Check the injury report. If Fitzgerald goes, he’ll play big. The Falcons rank last against the pass.

Kenny Britt vs. Oak – Britt’s a low 2/flex play.

Brandon Lafell vs. GB – Lafell will prove the Pats biggest receiving threat in this one.

Julian Edleman vs. GB – Stronger in PPR leagues.

Reggie Wayne vs. Was – Wayne’s a flex play this week.

Bust

Jordy Nelson vs. NE – Revis Island shuts all down.

Fantasy Sleeper

Charles Johnson vs. Car – The little used Vikings receiver has had two consecutive solid games and faces another solid outcome this week.

Must Start

Dez Bryant, AJ Green, Demaryius Thomas, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Jordan Nelson

Tier 1

Jeremy Maclin vs. Ten – Maclin will top 100 yards and 2 TDs.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Mia – This is a tricky game but it’s tough to slow down the Broncos receivers. Check his status Sunday morning.

Alshon Jeffery vs. TB – The Bears other receiver will top the century mark with a score.

TY Hilton vs. Jax – Look for Hilton to top 100 yards with a long TD.

Golden Tate vs. NE – He’ll be heavily featured in the passing game. Solid in PPR.

DeSean Jackson vs. SF – San Francisco’s secondary is depleted. Jackson’s speed will give them problems all afternoon.

Odell Beckham vs. Dal – The rookie has moved into No. 1 receiver status and should be in your lineup.

Sammy Watkins vs. NYJ – The Jets have no one in the secondary that can stay with him.

Randall Cobb vs. Min – He’ll find the end zone once, maybe twice.

Anquan Boldin vs. Was – Boldin will have his number called all afternoon.

Steve Smith Sr. vs NO – Expect the old man to top 100 yards with a score.

Mike Evans vs. Chi – The rookie has assumed top billing in this offense. Has a solid match up here.

Vincent Jackson vs. Chi – Ditto.

Tier 2

Julio Jones vs. Cle – Be wary of facing Joe Haden and a secondary on the upswing.

Andre Johnson vs. Cin – The Bengals pass D is stout, which lowers Johnson’s value.

Percy Harvin vs. Buf – Harvin’s play has improved since QB Michael Vick entered the lineup.

Reggie Wayne vs. Jax – The vet will catch 4-5 balls for 70+ yards.

Keenan Allen vs. Stl – San Diego will be expecting their 2nd year receiver to step up in the second half. The Rams are stronger in the front 7.

Marques Colston vs. Bal – The Ravens are down a few good men in the secondary.

Greg Jennings vs. GB – Look for Jennings to step up against his former team.

Michael Crabtree vs. Was – Look for 4-5 catches with a score.

Mike Wallace vs. Den – They’ll be passing a lot in this one.

Brandon Lafell vs. Det – He is slowly becoming Brady’s top outside target.

Terrance Williams vs. NYG – There will be plays for him as well.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Oak – This will be the 1st game a WR scores for the Chiefs this season. Bowe is the guy.

Roddy White vs. Cle – See above with Jones. The Browns secondary is their strength.

Bust

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Sea – It’ll be tough sledding against the Richard Sherman and Co.

Fantasy Sleeper

Mohamed Sanu vs. Hou – Sanu’s deceptive speed will make for a big day vs. the Texans.

Must Start

Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, Matt Forte,  Marshawn Lynch and Arian Foster*

Tier 1

Rashad Jennings vs. Dal – Missed the 1st game. Look for him to top 100 yards and be a weapon in the passing game.

Frank Gore vs. Was – Look for the 49ers to lean heavily once again on Gore.

Eddie Lacy vs. Min – The weather will be cold. Look for the Packers to pound the rock with Lacy all afternoon.

Andre Ellington vs. Sea – Running the ball will be difficult but he’ll be a threat in the passing game.

Jeremy Hill vs. Hou – The rookie RB is a strong No. 1 as long as Bernard is out or limited.

Trent Richardson vs. Jax – Richardson becomes a strong play a No. 1 in PPR leagues.

Denard Robinson vs. Ind – He’s been a force since he entered the starting lineup.

Tier 2

Steven Jackson vs. Cle – The loss of DT Phil Taylor hurts the Browns running game.

Ryan Matthews vs. Stl – He’ll get enough carries to be a No. 2 back.

Mark Ingram vs Bal – The Ravens run D is stout.

Darren Sproles vs. Ten – Sproles is a No. 2 / flex play each week in the explosive Eagles offense.

Justin Forsett vs. NO – Forsett will top 80 yards and find the end zone in New Orleans.

Joique Bell vs. NE – The Pats run D is middle of the pack.

Shane Vereen vs. Det – Look for his impact to come in the passing game. Stronger in PPR leagues.

CJ Anderson vs. Mia – Look for him to be a weapon out of the backfield.

Lamar Miller vs. Den – He rates as a low No. 2 this week.

Charles Sims vs. Chi – Sims has assumed top dawg in TB.

Bust

Alfred Morris vs. SF – The 49ers run D is stout.

Fantasy Sleeper

Tre Mason vs. SD – The Chargers are banged up defensively making Mason a solid play.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Antonio Brown, Jordy Nelson, Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Marshall

Tier 1

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Stl – He’s starting every week.

Jeremy Maclin vs. GB – Maclin will top 20 FFL points.

Julio Jones vs. Car – Jones will top 100 yards with a score.

TY Hilton vs. NE – This game could be a shootout.

DeSean Jackson vs. TB – Jackson will top 100 with a score this week.

Golden Tate vs. Arz – The Cards have struggled stopping the pass.

Mike Evans vs. Was – Evans is coming into his own. Found the end zone multiple weeks.

Anquan Boldin vs. NYG – New York’s secondary is depleted.

Michael Crabtree vs. NYG – See above.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Min – Jeffery will return to the end zone and top 90 yards.

Odell Beckham vs. SF – Beckham will top the century mark again as the Giants find different ways to get him involved.

Kelvin Benjamin vs. Atl – Benjamin cleaned up in garbage time MNF and has another easy match-up here.

Tier 2

Martavis Bryant vs. Ten – The rookie has scored six TDs in four games.

Brandin Cooks vs. Cin – Another rookie who is stepping up. His speed will create problems for the Bengals.

Pierre Garcon vs. TB – He appears to play 2nd fiddle to Jackson in RGIII’s offense, but the Bucs give up a lot through the air.

Andre Johnson vs. Cle – The Bengals D is playing very well. This pushes Johnson down a notch this week.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Chi – The Bears D is in shambles.

Greg Jennings vs. Chi – Jennings is a No. 3 and will top 70 passing yards.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Det – The Lions D keeps Fitzgerald at a No. 3 WR this week.

Reggie Wayne vs. NE – The Pats will keep his yards in check but a solid PPR play.

Keenan Allen vs. Oak – Allen is a flex at this point.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Sea – Expect Bowe to haul in 5-6 catches and 70 yards.

Julian Edelman vs Ind – Strong in PPR leagues. Brady and Lafell are still working to get on the same page.

Jordan Matthews vs. GB – It looks like the switch to QB Mark Sanchez will benefit him tremendously.

Bust

Mike Wallace vs. Buf – His QB is banged up and the Bills play stout D.

Fantasy Sleeper

Andre Holmes vs. SD – Torched SD for 2 TDs in their earlier contest and faces a depleted secondary again.

Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown and Brandon Marshall

Tier 1

Alshon Jeffery vs. GB – He’s closer to full strength.

Victor Cruz vs. Was – The Skins secondary is dangerously thin.

Pierre Garcon vs. NYG – The Giants sometimes let receivers run free down the seam.

Michael Crabtree vs. Phi – Crabtree will top 8 catches for 100 yards in this one.

Jeremy Maclin vs. SF – Expect Maclin to break some big plays against this set of DBs.

Vincent Jackson vs. Pit – He’s Mike Glennon’s go to guy.

Randall Cobb vs. Chi – Rodgers will target him over the middle and in the mid range passing game.

Julian Edelmen vs. KC – Dynamite in PPR leagues.

Steve Smith vs. Car – Expect Smith to had added emotion facing his former team.

TY Hilton vs. Ten – Look for Hilton to reach the end zone.

DeSean Jackson vs. NYG – Historically, he has had success against the Giants.

Anquan Boldin vs. Phi – This could end up being a shootout. His value is more in PPR leagues.

Keenan Allen vs. Jax – Allen will have his first breakout game of the year.

Tier 2

Andre Johnson vs. Buf – Fitzpatrick makes him a No. 2 at best.

Mike Evans vs. Pit – The rookie is improving each week. There will be plays to be had against this depleted unit.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Atl – The loss of Adrian Peterson has hurt his productivity, but the Falcons don’t pose much threat.

Roddy White vs. Min – Check the injury report.

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Buf – He’s a solid No. 2 and is really emerging in year 2.

Sammy Watkins vs. Hou – Watkins is a bounce back threat after a poor game against the Chargers.

Brandin Cooks vs. Dal – Look for Brees to attack the Cowboys down the field.

Bust

Reggie Wayne vs. Ten – Wayne’s rounding his way back into form and faces a tough test here.
Fantasy Sleeper

Terrance Williams vs. NO – Something is not right in the Saints D and this game could be a shootout.