DeSean Jackson’s Return To Washingtons’ Lineup Alters WR Fantasy Football Rankings
The wide receiver fantasy football rankings have been given a subtle boost of name recognition. Washington’s DeSean Jackson will make his long-awaited return to the lineup (courtesy of ESPN). Jackson’s return from a hamstring injury comes at a good time for Washington’s playoff hopes. This also bodes well for fantasy football players who are looking for a boost with six teams out with bye weeks.
According to the Sporting News, DeSean Jackson is high enough on their fantasy football rankings, he is the 32nd wide receiver on their board, that he is worth taking a flier on. Jackson is one of the sleepers from the receiver position this week.
By now, with the number of teams that are not playing this week, there have to be a few sleepers in the fantasy football rankings. DeSean Jackson’s return to Washington this Sunday is promising. He is worth using in the role of your flex option or third receiver. The top-flight speed that Jackson brings to the table makes him a high-risk, high-reward player.
In Washington, Pierre Garcon has held down the fort with Jackson on the mend. What was missing for quarterback Kirk Cousins was the ability to purely stretch the field. Nothing against Garcon, but he does not have the same type of high-end speed as DeSean Jackson, although he will be aided with his teammate back in the lineup. In actuality, Garcon’s numbers may rise with Jackson’s presence.
Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler had great praise (courtesy of NESN) for Jackson, who he will be matched up with for much of Sunday’s game.
“Pure speed. He can stop on a dime and take off, so there’s a lot to prepare for. I’ve been a fan of him since way before I even got here. I have a lot of respect for that guy.”
Butler should know what Jackson brings to the table. He defended him during the joint practices that both teams held during training camp.
No Bye week For Me !! Gettin right .. This process been Long .. But I'm on Trac To get it right !!… https://t.co/06YXd4XCYL
— Desean Jackson (@DeSeanJackson10) October 28, 2015
DeSean Jackson’s return should also alter how one should view the quarterback position in this week’s fantasy football rankings. Is Kirk Cousins a viable option as your quarterback this week?
As far as fantasy football rankings go, Cousins would typically be near the bottom third of the starters for Week 9. One must figure that by having Jackson as an option to throw the ball to, things should open up for Kirk Cousins.
In the six games in which both Jackson caught passes from Cousins last season, the duo connected for 18 receptions, 466 yards and three scores. Average yards per passing play for Cousins in that six game span was 8.38 yards. Compare that to this season’s average of 6.48 yards per pass, it is easy to suggest that he misses the element of Jackson’s speed also.
No. 1 (@DeSeanJackson11) and No. 2 (@DeAngeloHall23) back at it. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/AUreqQN3AM
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 2, 2015
Cousins will throw the football to the other team on occasion. You can live with that if you want to nab the top-two rushers for the week.
If you are considering a running back tandem of Todd Gurley and Devonta Freeman for your weekly fantasy football plays, you will want to have some wiggle room in the cap space that you have at your disposal. Both Gurley and Freeman are going to be at, or near the top of this week’s fantasy football rankings. There will be a need of inexpensive choices elsewhere.
On DraftKings, Gurley is a 6,900 play, which is fourth amongst tailbacks. Freeman is at the top. He is worth 8,000.
Gurley is the top back on Fanduel with 9,000, while Freeman is next at 8,900.
Grabbing both of them will help your team. Then it will hurt your bottom line. You will have to find a couple of sleepers.
DeSean Jackson is 5,600 on Fanduel, Kirk Cousins is 6,600. DraftKings have them at 5,700 and 5,100 respectively. Their fantasy football rankings will not be at the top. It does not matter much. You can get by with them on your roster this week and fill out a few other positions.
The return of DeSean Jackson to Washington’s lineup can quietly help you if you need a fantasy football sleeper this week. He is 32nd on Sporting News’ fantasy football rankings for a reason. Could that also help you with a sneaky pick at quarterback?
If you want to load up on the top running backs, Kirk Cousins also looks good with his speed receiver back.
[Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images Sport]
