Boy, some players simply are not the locked and loaded studs we thought they were. (Looking at you, Mike Evans.) In a week crippled by a ridiculous bye schedule, there were a number of surprising developments at the wide receiver position. I'll attempt to decode what it all means for the rest of the season, but for right now let's just focus on this week's rankings.
Target Monsters
So that's where Michael Thomas has been hiding. Thomas is like that college friend who would pass out in a bathroom stall for an hour and then magically show up at the next bar with an armful of tequila shots, ready to rally. He saw 15 targets in the Saints' shootout with the Rams, the most since Week 1. The Dez Bryant signing gives slight pause, but Thomas should be in prime position to repeat this week against the Bengals.
The Falcons' defense can make literally anyone look like a stud, proven by Maurice Harris' breakout game. The Washington receiver saw 12 targets, catching 10 for 124 yards. Lucky for Harris, Tampa Bay's defense is equally abysmal, especially against slot receivers. Harris may actually have a respectable follow-up game. In fact, witth Paul Richardson out for the remainder of the season, Harris could have relevance for the rest of season in deeper leagues.
Corey Davis nettted double digit targets, something he's accomplished just three times as the Titans' supposed No. 1 receiver. He was good for 6 receptions and 56 yards, which aren't numbers to get excited about. But Davis is still flex-worthy during the remaining bye week pileups if you're in a pinch.
Here's a reminder not to forget about Jarvis Landry, who saw a season-low 7 targets against Kansas City. There will be some aches and pains during Cleveland's coaching upheaval, but Landry is still the 2nd most targeted player in football. He'll be back.
[ranker id="87389"]
