Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em (2018): WideReceiver Edition: Week 12: Corey Davis, Marquez Valdes-Scantling & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Trying to decide who you should start or sit this week? Let’s take a look at a few potential decisions owners have and try to sort through them:

Corey Davis – Tennessee Titans
at Houston

Davis is by far the most targeted receiver for the Titans with 80 targets on the season (Dion Lewis is second with 41).  That should mean ample opportunities for Davis, though the matchup with Houston is not ideal.  The Texans entered the week giving up the fifth fewest points per week to opposing wide receivers, including a league low 6 TD (tied with the Jaguars).

Davis himself has found the end zone just twice this season, and while he’s had a few big games it’s impossible to expect one here.  Earlier in the season he managed 5 receptions and 55 yards against Houston and it’s possible that it’s Blaine Gabbert under center for the Monday night matchup.  That added wrinkle makes Davis nearly impossible to trust.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Courtland Sutton – Denver Broncos
vs. Pittsburgh

The trade of Demaryius Thomas clearly added opportunity for Sutton, and at least to an extent he’s taken advantage of it over the past three weeks:

• at Kansas City – 3 receptions for 78 yards
• vs. Houston – 3 receptions for 57 yards
• at Los Angeles Chargers – 3 receptions for 78 yards

Of course he’s averaging 5 targets per week, so he hasn’t been given significant opportunity and he also hasn’t found the end zone during this stretch.  The Steelers also aren’t an easy matchup, further clouding the issue.  If you are desperate than maybe, but for most he’s not going to be a strong option.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Keke Coutee – Houston Texans
vs. Tennessee

Injury has been the biggest issue for Coutee, though the acquisition of Demaryius Thomas brought further doubt to his role.  However the Texans’ newest wide receiver hasn’t made much of an impact while Coutee returned in Week 11 and produced another strong performance (5 receptions for 77 yards).

Tennessee has allowed the seventh most points per week to opposing wide receivers, and over the past two weeks they’ve allowed the fifth most (427 yards and 3 TD).  Among those who have done the damage recently are Corey Davis (7 receptions, 125 yards, 1 TD) and T.Y. Hilton (9 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TD).  In other words it has been opposing team’s top receivers who have been thriving, which should mean good things for DeAndre Hopkins.  However there also should be enough of a trickle down where we could easily expect 50+ yards and the potential for a TD.

Verdict – Start ‘Em (as a WR3)

Marquez Valdes-Scantling – Green Bay Packers
at Minnesota

On the season the Vikings have allowed the third fewest points per week to opposing wide receivers.  While Valdes-Scantling has made a splash, at times, over the past two weeks he’s totaled 7 receptions for 52 yards and he’s been under 50 yards in three of his past four games.  Injuries have helped put him on the map, but he’s a boom or bust option with a difficult matchup.  That’s going to be a tough sell.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

DJ Moore – Carolina Panthers
vs. Seattle

The Seahawks have been torched of late, allowing the third most points per week to opposing wide receivers (828 yards and 5 TD).  While there have been questions about Moore’s usage, with Devin Funchess battling a back injury Moore is going to have the potential to operate as the team’s leading wide receiver.  Considering he’s coming off a 7 catch, 158 yard and 1 TD performance while Funchess struggled (2 catches for 39 yards), there’s a good chance that he operates as the lead receiver regardless of who else is on the field.  That makes him a strong play in all formats.

Verdict – Start ‘Em (viable WR3, borderline WR2)

Sources – ESPN, NFL.com

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Make sure to check out all of our Week 12 rankings: