WR: 105 PLAYER BREAKDOWNS
June 24, 2009
[This article contains tables. Complete tables are not available. For the complete set of tables see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]
Figurs has shown some home run ability in the return game, but Tom Zbikowski took over kickoff-return duties late last year, and Figurs has yet to make an impact as a WR. And because of some ball-security issues, he may be battling to keep his roster spot in August. If you play in a league that factors in return yardage, Figurs is worth a look. Otherwise, do not touch.
105 Robert MEACHEM
SAINTS
AGE: 24
BYE WEEK: 5
AUCTION: $0
His fantasy value took a big blow when Devery Henderson re-signed to be the Saints' deep threat, meaning Meachem has to earn playing time with a huge preseason or through an injury to someone ahead of him. He's been unproductive since being drafted in the first round and would benefit from a change of scenery to a team thinner at the position. Until then, steer clear.
*COLLEGE STATS
AGES AS OF SEPT. 10
TGT: TARGETS
ON THE RISE
ON THE DECLINE
SLEEPER PICK
INJURY-PRONE
BURN NOTICE
SMART STATS
EVEN THE BEST RECEIVERS HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE best cornerbacks. Take the Texans' Andre Johnson, for example. In Week 16 last year, against the Raiders, he went up against Oakland's lockdown cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha (21, above), and was held to just two catches on 19 yards. The performance was typical for Asomugha, who was one of the toughest corners to burn last season. He did not allow one TD reception in '08 and was so good that opponents only threw in his direction 35 times all year.
So when choosing which WRs to start in a given week, it's best to avoid Asomugha and the other four players listed with him below. They ranked best among corners who started at least nine games and were targeted defensively at least 32 times (twice a game). On the other hand, any WR going up against the Bucs' Ronde Barber is a must-play.
IN THE ZONE
SMART STATS

