It's hardly a secret that looking beyond a player’s reception total in order to also inspect his target trend can be extremely beneficial. Not only does it provide you with a better representation of how productive he might be in upcoming contests, but in some cases, it can help you locate a performer that will ultimately become an important component within your roster. Or possibly a sleeper candidate that might be worthy of stashing for approaching matchups. Either of these scenarios make the research vital, as you examine roster options for these final weeks of the fantasy season.
This target report will focus upon three emerging performers, whose most impressive contributions of their young careers could occur during the upcoming weeks. But to clarify, this does not necessarily mean that these players are absolute must adds for Week 13, nor is it a forecast that any member of this trio will accumulate massive numbers during this week’s contests. However, each player that will be discussed is definitely worthy of consideration as a roster stash. And, if you are willing to utilize it with the knowledge that even though future production is not a certainty, these players possess the potential to boost your team's scoring totals before the fantasy season concludes.
WR, Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings
This rookie certainly appears to be on the verge of an explosion, as Patterson’s big play potential is finally converging with a favorable number of opportunities. After receiving 28 targets through the first 10 games of the season, the rookie has garnered 20 in the past two weeks. 11 of those occurred in Week 12, and he took advantage of the sustained chances to establish new career highs in receptions (eight) and yardage (54). Patterson also narrowly missed a game winning TD in overtime, when he was unable to secure a catch in the end zone. He has yet to generate sizable production beyond his role as a returner, but undoubtedly possesses the capabilities of bursting beyond overmatched defenders to generate massive gains. While he is not an advisable start until he capitalizes more sizably on his chances, that eruption appears imminent. That makes him worthy of a roster slot, because his abundant natural ability will soon result in far greater output.
WR, Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo Bills
Goodwin is an incredible athlete who captured two national long jump championships as a collegian, and represented the United States in that event during the 2012 Olympics. He also possesses blazing speed, as his 4.27 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine will attest. After receiving just four targets through the first seven games of his initial season, he has garnered 22 during Buffalo’s last four games. As a result, Goodwin has accumulated at least 56 yards in three of those contests, accentuated by the season best 81 that he amassed in Week 11. He also collected six passes, and exploded for an 81-yard TD. That was his first opportunity as a starter, due to the collective absence of Steve Johnson and Robert Woods. Even though Johnson and Woods appear poised to return for this week’s matchup with Atlanta, Goodwin’s potential to blow by defenders will keep him involved within the Bills’ overall strategic approach. That should enable to minimally split snaps with Woods, with the potential for an ascending role that surpasses his fellow rookie. Goodwin’s abilities have just begun providing dividends, as more significant contributions could be forthcoming in Buffalo’s next few contests.
TE, Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers
Green is the lone member of this trio who has already provided a significant impact, as the second-year TE bolted for 80 yards on three receptions in Week 12. That output was highlighted by his exceptional 60-yard catch and run, in which he surged through Kansas City’s defense, and justified what had been a growing sentiment among some observers that he was primed to establish his presence. While he had only collected 11 catches throughout the entire season prior to last Sunday’s production, he nevertheless has now manufactured at least 80 yards in two consecutive contests. There is currently risk in employing Green for your lineups, because Antonio Gates is entrenched as San Diego’s primary TE. And the 11-year veteran remains a vital component within the Chargers’ attack. However, Green is not your standard backup TE. At 6’6” and 240 pounds, he provides Philip Rivers with a mammoth target. Plus, he can utilize the extreme speed that has enabled him to complete a 4.45-40, toward exploding beyond overmatched opponents. Owners who are consistently frustrated with their production at the TE position should consider Green as a viable roster addition, albeit a high risk/high reward option that will be impacted by the ongoing employment of Gates.
