Good news for fantasy owners: Seattle trades underperforming/underutilized receiver/returner Percy Harvin. Bad news for fantasy owner: That trade sends him to the Jets.
The Seahawks never were able to get maximum output from the playmaking speedster. Relegated primarily to reverses and screen passes, Harvin had just 33 touches on offense for 232 yards and one score. When he finally broke out two weeks ago in Washington, he scored three times — but all were called back by penalty.
Now he lands with the Jets, whose offense has been a fantasy wasteland. They showed promise, particularly with Chris Ivory and the running game, Thursday at New England. So how will Harvin fit in?
What we know is this: Coach Rex Ryan is not afraid of wildcat formations, backfield trickery and a creative (overly creative?) approach to the running game. So Harvin should get touches. The Jets’ lack of playmaking wide receivers should provide an opportunity for him to be more heavily involved in the passing game — though Seattle isn’t exactly stocked with marquee pass catchers either, and Harvin found little purchase there.
When Gang Green acquired Braylon Edwards four games into the 2009 season, he turned in a modest 541 yards and four TDs in 12 games. Figure Harvin to give a similar prorated return, with fewer receiving yards offset by rushing totals. What he will do is elevate the value of the Jets defense/special teams, assuming they have him on kick or punt returns.
This changes little on the Seattle side from a fantasy perspective. Doug Baldwin still is only for the desperate, Russell Wilson still is a solid play. It does offer a hint of the confidence the team has in third-year WR Jermaine Kearse. What little production Harvin was giving the Seahawks most likely will land in Kearse’s lap.
Big weeks
Brian Hoyer, QB, Browns, at Jaguars: Has been steady enough to quiet demand for Johnny Manziel. Not buying that Jags’ pass defense is markedly improved, despite two straight good weeks. They have allowed 12 passing TDs to just one INT.
Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens, vs. Falcons: Have given up huge games to opposing runners in five of six games. Atlanta’s 12 rushing TDs allowed are five more than any other team. Forsett’s 6.4 yards per carry is best among RBs with at least 33 carries.
Kendall Wright, WR, Titans, at Redskins: Targeted with consistency until last week. Generous Redskins defense should provide chance to rack up nice numbers, regardless of who is throwing him the ball.
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs, at Chargers: San Diego ranks fourth against opposing TEs, but they haven’t played a team that utilizes one as predominantly as do the Chiefs. Kelce leads Chiefs in targets and TDs.
Small weaks
Drew Brees, QB, Saints, at Lions: Ranks just 17th among fantasy QBs this year. He rarely posts numbers on the road that rival his impressive home output. Now he faces league’s best pass defense, likely without top weapon, TE Jimmy Graham.
Antone Smith, RB, Falcons, at Ravens: Ranks 10th in fantasy points among RBs, but relies solely on big play. Has five TDs on just 23 touches (13 carries, 10 catches). Until Falcons wise up and give him the ball more often, he is too risky to rely upon.
Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers, at Broncos: With Vernon Davis healthy again, Brandon Lloyd now stealing looks, and Anquan Boldin getting slight edge in targets, it appears a return to Crabtree’s 2012 prowress is not in the offing. Broncos have yielded third fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs.
Delanie Walker, TE, Titans, at Redskins: Washington’s numbers vs. TEs skewed heavily by Week 4 plundering by Giants, who had four TE touchdowns. Have hard time believing Walker suddenly has morphed into top TE in his ninth season.
Tweet of the week
Tonight’s episode of #NFLMakesNoSense: #Cowboys win at Seattle. Starring Russell Wilson as Tony Romo, and Romo as Russell Wilson. #DALvsSEA
The decision
Post fantasy Madman Drew Loftis and Roto Files columnist Jarad Wilk debate whom you should start in Week 7: Golden Tate vs. Rueben Randle
Drew: Tate — With Calvin Johnson likely out again, Tate will be go-to guy against a Saints defense that has given up the 29th most fantasy points to opposing receivers. They have given up five TDs to wideout in three road games. Tate has posted 100-yard games two of the past three weeks. Madman’s rally begins this week, and it will be golden.
Wilk: Randle — With Victor Cruz out of action, Eli Manning will be depending on Randle to become the go-to guy. He already has been targeted 49 times this season, including 12 inside the red zone. Despite the Cowboys’ defense allowing fifth-fewest yards to fantasy receivers, the 6-foot-2 target should be able to help keep Roto’s streak alive at five.
Last week: Wilk 18 (Mohamed Sanu — 120 receiving yards, one TD), Loftis 3 (Emmanuel Sanders — 38 receiving yards)
Season: Wilk leads series, 4-1-1