Going Deep: Does Tyreek Hill Have Real Value This Week?

by Ray Kuhn

Let’s start off with a disclaimer; these are trying times in fantasy football. We are already in Week 9, and the playoffs will be here before you know it. So as you attempt to solidify your playoff position, you also must deal with six teams on bye this week along with a myriad of injuries.

That means, especially depending on your league, there are not many players who don’t have fantasy value to some degree this week. At the very least, all options should be considered.

And that brings us to Tyreek Hill who, after being more of deep league flier to start the season, is worth a legit look this week.

There is no doubting the rookie’s speed and big play ability. Over the past few weeks we have seen Hill emerge as more than just a big play threat and a return man, and he is helped this week by the change under center for Kansas City. While Alex Smith doesn’t have a concussion, he is also not 100% and Nick Foles will be taking snaps for the Chiefs this week. Foles is much more proficient, and willing, the throw the deep ball and look downfield. That happens to be Hill’s specialty.

Players such as Chris Conley and Albert Wilson might be listed on the depth chart of Hill, but they don’t offer the same potential or big play ability. After catching a 34 yard touchdown pass last week, Hill has four touchdowns so far this season out of his 19 receptions. Against the Colts, Hill caught five of his six targets for 98 yards and he was noticeably more involved once Foles replaced Smith under center.

So far this season, Hill is averaging just 11.9 yards per catch, but he was clearly limited by Smith’s lack of down field passing. Conley hasn’t been much better this season (12.4 yards per catch on 23 receptions) and the same could be said for Wilson (12 catches for 94 yards). While Hill’s stat line this year doesn’t lend itself to optimism, it is still better than that of his competition. And Hill’s speed gives him a better skill set and he is Kansas City’s best big play threat.

Kansas City has considered, and briefly used, Hill out of the backfield so far this season and he does have six carries for 24 yards. With Jamaal Charles out for the season and Spencer Ware sidelined for the week, that is also something to keep in mind.

There are likely safer plays out there than Hill, but it is also possible he has a week that sends you rushing to your waiver wire to claim him next week.