Jeremy Maclin

Maclin’s production dropped in 2011 due mostly to lingering shoulder and hamstring injuries that forced him to miss three games. Still, Maclin was on pace to have his best statistical season of his career, at least with receptions and receiving yards. Maclin has been steady throughout his career, and at just 23 years old he still has plenty of upside. Despite missing those three games, Maclin (109 points) nearly outscored Philadelphia’s top wide receiver DeSean Jackson (115 points) in standard scoring leagues last year.

Victor Cruz

Cruz was dynamic for the Giants out of the slot in 2011. It’ll be interesting to see if he can get open consistently when defenses are focused on stopping him. Still, he’s a playmaker who will get a ton of targets, especially with Mario Manningham now in San Francisco. He gets the nod ahead of teammate and Giants top receiver Hakeem Nicks, only because of Nicks’ durability concerns. Nicks hasn’t played a full season in his three years in the league. Plus, Cruz outscored Nicks 198 to 152 in standard scoring leagues last season. That’s a large gap for Nicks to make up next season.

Torrey Smith

At the end of last season, Smith was one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets. Smith averaged nearly 17 yards per catch as a rookie and has the downfield speed to make big plays on a consistent basis. If he can improve his intermediate route-running this offseason, his fantasy value will only go higher.

The Ravens’ WR1 is Anquan Boldin, who turns 32 this season and is coming off his worst statistical season in eight years in 2011. He finished the year with 57 receptions for 887 yards and three touchdowns, he also missed two games with a knee injury. During Weeks 10-15, before Boldin’s knee injury, Boldin had 33 targets. During that same span, Smith had 38 targets.

Jordy Nelson

Nelson made people take notice during the Packers Super Bowl run in 2010-2011. Now, after a very successful 2011 season, he’s a fantasy darling. Nelson had five fewer targets (94) than Packers WR1 Greg Jennings (99), despite playing in three more games. However, Nelson made the most of his opportunities, outscoring Jennings 210 to 143 in standard scoring leagues. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has vowed to get Nelson more targets in 2012.

Fantasy Football:

Just when we thought we’d never see another passing week like the NFL’s opening weekend, Week 2 came along and shattered that new record. Fantasy football scores were up all over the place and Cam Newton managed to silence even his biggest critics by opening his pro career with a second consecutive 400+ yard passing game.

We can’t expect these ridiculous trends to continue, but there are a number of marquee match-ups this week that will ensure there are exciting games and abundant fantasy points to go around. Here’s our wide receiver rankings for Week 3.

1. Calvin Johnson @ MIN-Megatron has multiple scores in both games and will even command the short yardage scores in the end zone
2. Larry Fitzgerald @ SEA- Seattle’s pass defense looks bad, and Fitzgerald and Kolb already have an impressive connection on deep route pass plays
3. Vincent Jackson vs. KC-The Chiefs secondary, minus Eric Berry, have no shot at slowing down the Chargers’ passing game
4. Andre Johnson @ NO-Johnson’s still the top wide out in the NFL. He’s never been a big TD scorer but is a PPR and yardage beast. A must start in a potential track meet in New Orleans
5. Mike Wallace @ IND-With Indy’s anemic offense unlikely to keep the ball long, Wallace has a great shot at a sixth straight 100 yard game
6. Roddy White @ TB-Look for the Falcons passing attack to get on track against a suspect Buccaneers defense
7. Steve Smith vs. JAC -Has a tremendous connections with Cam Newton and will enjoy best match-up yet against a poor Jacksonville secondary
8. Greg Jennings @ CHI-As noted, the Bears have done a good job of keeping Green Bay’s offense in check when they play at Soldier Field.
9. Santana Moss @ DAL -Moss came through as our #9 ranked Wide out last week. The Dallas secondary is not playing well, and Moss should be in for another big game
10. Hakeem Nicks @ PHI-watch injury status
11. Brandon Marshall @ CLE
12. DeSean Jackson vs. NYG
13. Dez Bryant vs. WAS
14. Steve Johnson vs. NE
15. Kenny Britt vs. DEN
16. Mike Williams vs. ATL
17. Jeremy Maclin vs. NYG
18. Wes Welker @ BUF
19. Santonio Holmes @ OAK
20. Reggie Wayne vs. PIT
21. Brandon Lloyd @ TEN
22. A.J. Green vs. SF
23. Anquan Boldin @ STL
24. Deion Branch @ BUF
25. Jordy Nelson @ CHI
26. Percy Harvin vs. DET
27. Plaxico Burress @ OAK
28. David Nelson vs. NE
29. Dwayne Bowe @ SD
30. Lance Moore vs. HOU
31. Robert Meachem vs. HOU
32. Mario Manningham @ PHI
33. Eric Decker @ TEN
34. Dexter McCluster @ SD
35. Devery Henderson vs. HOU
36. Nate Burleson @ MIN
37. Julio Jones @ TB
38. Mike Thomas @ CAR
39. Nate Washington vs. DEN
40. Mike Sims-Walker vs. BAL
41. Jerome Simpson vs. SF
42. Chad Ochocinco @ BUF
43. Johnny Knox vs. GB
44. Jabar Gaffney @ DAL
45. Malcom Floyd vs. KC
46. Denarius Moore vs. NYJ
47. Davone Bess @ CLE
48. Danario Alexander vs. BAL
49. Hines Ward @ IND
50. Lee Evans @ STL

Fantasy Football:

So, it’s the near the bottom of the second round of your fantasy draft and you’re two minutes away from making your selection. Looking at the list of available receivers, two of them jump out at you: Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. At a glance you’re thinking, DeSean Jackson -easy. But, what you’re not realizing is that it could be a big mistake.

DeSean Jackson is a great WR with blazing speed that can score from anywhere on the field. Although Maclin, who was the Eagles leading wide receiver for the majority of the regular season last year, does rank better in some leagues; particularly in a PPR format. Simply put, DeSean is unreliable for your fantasy team. He’s a situational player that will see double coverage through most of the 2011 season, making him a frustrating fantasy option. Yes, he will still burn teams the odd big game, but it won’t be as often.

2010 Comparison Stats:

Statistically, when you look at the two receivers you see several differences. DeSean Jackson has a higher average and 92 more yards than Maclin. But, if you compare the receptions, Maclin in a PPR league actually outranked his teammate. Jeremy Maclin did play in two more games than DeSean, yet still averaged more receptions and scored four more receiving touchdowns. What that should tell you is: Maclin may not have the constant big plays, but he does find his way into the endzone.

There is no doubt that DJack is the Eagles X-Factor who will find the ball receiving, rushing, and be used for punt returns, but unless your league awards for those extra areas, you’re better off waiting a round or two and drafting Jeremy Maclin.
His consistency and ability to take a simple catch and tack on those well-earned YACs will definitely add points to your fantasy team. Maclin is a bigger, tougher target and is growing into a real underrated star. You can definitely look for Maclin’s stock to rise this summer.

DeSean Jackson is a fan favorite, but when it comes to the fantasy leagues you’re better off staying away from his streaky, all or nothing production.

So when that clock starts and you’re two minutes begin, maybe draft another running back or go for a quarterback and try to aim for the 2nd wide receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles this season a couple rounds later.

Fantasy Football:

Most sites recycle imaginary fantasy numbers with yards and touchdowns and quick blurbs on how great Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson is going to do, but you already know that. We here at Gridiron Experts are not about to insult your fantasy football intelligence by posting the obvious numbers, instead we go out on a limb and try spotting great fantasy match-ups that many people might be overlooking. Star players will always perform, but key players can thrive in one week situations through either an offensive game plan or an excellent match-up. Our goal is to zone in on these perfect match-ups and offer advice that might make your life a little easier. It always comes down to you making the last-minute call with your line-up, but hopefully we can help.

**Week 2 **

No team wants to fall to 0-2, and the fear of an early losing streak will really push players to excel. There were more than a few Fantasy let downs in the opening NFL weekend, but I’m sure a bounce back week will make things right. The trick is now, not to start thinking players are doomed for a bad season off of a week of rust.

Legedu Naanee vs. The Jaguars

The big question in San Diego was who was going to replace Vincent Jackson this year. The answer: Legedu Naanee. On Monday night against the Chiefs, Rivers zeroed in on Naanee often as his first read. There were  even more targeted attempts than Naanes’s 5 receptions which is great news for those of you who are in need of a fantasy receiver. The Jag’s are making a cross-country trip to face and angry Chargers team, this should be a high scoring affair.

Darren McFadden vs. The Rams

The Raiders played poorly and will want to win over the fans after a forgettable opener. McFadden is likely to start again with Bush still nursing an injury. The coaching staff will want to ease Michael Bush into season form with a few carries but the door is wide open for McFadden to finally earn his stripes as a high 1st round fantasy RB.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. The Colts

The blue print to a rushing attack has been all carved out. If the Giants can mimic a few of those stretch plays and allow the RB to cut back against the flow, the Colts will face the same recurring nightmare two weeks straight.

Jeremy Maclin vs. The Lions

Maclin is proving to be a great all-round-weapon for the Eagles and has really grown up in this westcoast offense. The Eagles will want to keep DeSean Jackson happy with a few deep balls, but for the most part I see solid 10-20 yard pick ups with Maclin underneath. Should have a great day against the Lions

Donald Driver vs The Bills

Without the use of Grant picking up short yardage, the Packers will continue to use the passing game to hit short passes to their sure-handed receivers until the replacement Rb can settle in.

Shonn Greene vs. The Patriots

Breaks my heart, but Green looked awful in week 1. He had 2 fumbles (lost one) and the offense was brutal. With the loss of Kris Jenkins this loathing rivalry could get ugly if the Jets can’t get their offense on track. With the short week and the fact that LT has great hands, I bet we see very little of Green in week 2.

Ricky Williams vs. The Vikings

Not even the best match up for Ronnie Brown, and he’s the starter. Ricky will have a shot at the tough yards with which you could get lucky for a gaol line score, but I’d look else where this week.

Donovan McNabb vs. the Texans

McNabb’s stats were small in week 1, mainly do to a high number a of drops (two in the endzone, same player same play back to back) but also due to the fact that he is still learning this offense and getting use to his new receiving core. I bet the game plan will be very similar, play good defense and put together long smart drives for points.

Fantasy Football:

In the spread offense, a receiver is always running a route and nothing else. Very rarely are they ever asked to block, or even read a defense. The route is called, and they run it blindly like a path was drawn for them on the field.

In the west coast offense, however, there is much more to the receiver position. They are asked to block regularly, and are expected to be able to read a defense on the fly. For a guy who has never been asked to do this, it can be a very difficult transition.

Enter Jeremy Maclin.

Maclin thrived in the spread offense, as most receivers do. It’s an easy job as they simply run the route and a strong-armed quarterback hurls the ball at them hoping for the best. But for the same reason that a quarterback running the spread offense does not usually fare well in the NFL, a receiver may not bring his college success to the NFL.

Look at some of the best spread quarterbacks over the past couple of years. Chase Daniels went undrafted, as did Graham Harrell. Colt Brennan got drafted, but only in the fifth round. The quarterback who set nearly every NCAA passing record possible falls all the way to the fifth round and is now backing up a guy who Washington has repeatedly tried to replace.

Why?

Because they do not know how to read a defense.

In the west coast, the receiver must be able to differentiate between zone and man coverage in a split-second. In fact, if the receiver reads the defense after the ball is snapped, they’re already behind. They must know before the snap that it is man coverage, so the corner will follow him, or if it’s zone coverage, he must quickly diagnose the zone, find the soft spot, sit and wait for the pass that may already be in the air, coming in his direction. In other words, rookies rarely get thrown out on to the field without a solid grasp of how the play will develop- which makes DeSean Jackson’s rookie season that much more impressive.

Let’s not forget blocking. The Eagles ask their receivers to do a lot of it on screens and swings to Brian Westbrook. If he gets Westbrook killed in Sheldon Brown-Reggie Bush fashion, he won’t be seeing much of the field.

With all the speed and athleticism that Maclin possesses, reading defenses and blocking does not come naturally and certainly takes a lot of work. While classroom sessions and memorizing the playbook is a step in the right direction, there is no replacement for on-the-field training with your teammates and coaches.

That is an experience on which Maclin is missing out.

He and his camp are holding out on signing the deal that the Eagles have offered, probably because of a discrepancy regarding the length of the contract, or the incentives tied to the contract. Considering that the Eagles have their other seven picks under contract and only have a certain amount left in their rookie pool, it’s fair to assess that there’s not much of a debate in the actual base salary.

However, no matter the aspect of the contract keeping him out of camp, the bottom line is that he’s not in Lehigh where he belongs, and it will cause problems for him and for the Eagles the longer this goes on.

According to Adam Schefter, a deal is expected within 72 hours, which would still leave him with about a week and a half of camp and the entire preseason before his rookie year is officially under way. The word on Maclin is that he’s a smart kid, and he backed that up with having one of the highest Wonderlic scores at the combine, so he shouldn’t have too hard of a time making up for the lost time in training camp.

However, he will have to make up for that time which could spill over into the regular season, cutting down on his production for the first couple of weeks.

Producing as a rookie is difficult enough, but by holding out he’s only making things more difficult on himself and in Philly that’s not a good idea.

Fantasy Football:

If you follow football, there’s a good chance you know the name Michael Crabtree; now you need to know the name Jeremy Maclin. Standing at 6’0″ and 198lbs, this Missouri Tiger is arguably the second best wide receiver in this years NFL draft class. Maclin will most likely go within the top 15 picks of this draft, and every day he seems to get more and more attention from the media.


Maclin has deadly speed. Misrepresented at the combine with a time of 4.48 in the 40, Maclin improved on his numbers at his pro day running a 4.40, and it is rumored that he ran a 4.32. Watching game tape of Maclin, his game-speed is evident. He has incredible explosiveness and agility, and he has great control over his body and hands, allowing him to make spectacular grabs in traffic and catches over the middle of the field. He is an extremely strong and physical receiver allowing him to break free of the jam easily (at the collegiate level) and should continue to do so in the NFL if he gains more bulk and technique.


After the catch Maclin is at his best, showcasing his speed and razor sharp cutting ability, allowing him to break defenders ankles; in a foot race Maclin will virtually never lose. He has spectacular vision and explosiveness on punt and kick returns, almost reminiscent of DeSean Jackson in a bigger frame. Coming into the NFL Maclin will initially line up as a #2 or #3 wide receiver (depending where he’s drafted) and will definitely be used as a return specialist. Long term he projects to be a #1 wide out, and with his natural talent long term may come sooner than it seems.


Scoring an impressive 25 on the Wonderlic, he beat out all wide receivers by at least 10 points. Maclin’s work ethic is second to none, evident by his dedication to improvement over two seasons, and praise from his quarterback Chase Daniel and Coaches on said improvement. He is a grounded individual with solid background, and has shown great instances of character, such as crying at his press conference on his decision to turn pro, speaking of his love for the Missouri family.


The knock on this Missouri star is his route running ability, or lack thereof. He has only played in college for two years, and seems to rely almost entirely on his athleticism rather than pure football knowledge. He will need to develop into a more consistent and fluid route runner in order to succeed at the pro level. Mizzou plays in a spread offense, so this will create problems for Maclin in adopting an NFL system. Before the Broncos had announced that Cutler will in fact be changing addresses, we had Maclin pegged as a Bronco; the system that is being installed is a type of spread offense that Jeremy Maclin could flourish in. Until a trade can be made for Cutler many mock drafts are on hold, but Gridiron Experts is fairly confident he will go within the top 15.

Fantasy Football: