Are you an owner getting frustrated by the production (or should I say lack there of) from Jermichael Finley? All fantasy owners need to do is look at Monday night’s performance from Antonio Gates to help show why you don’t give up on superior talent. That said, the numbers are getting ridiculous at this point…
- 24 receptions for 210 yards and 1 TD
- A total of 5 receptions for 23 yards over the past two weeks
- 4 catches or fewer in five straight games
- No more than 60 yards in a game in 2012
Keep in mind, however, that the real reason his overall value is down is the lack of touchdowns and nothing more. Last season he never had more than 87 yards in a game and had over 70 just three times. He also mixed in some real stinkers, like totaling 3 catches for 33 yards (and 1 TD) in weeks 6 & 7. However, he had 8 TD, which helped overshadow his 47.9 yard per game average (he’s averaging 37.6 yards for his career).
He has been targeted 36 times, so it’s not like he hasn’t had his chances. The fact is, historically he has been all hype with little results. Moving forward, how do we consider him as anything but a low end option/match-up play?
His schedule over the next few weeks offers a few opportunities (ranking in points given up to tight ends according to NFL.com):
- at St. Louis (26th)
- vs. Jacksonville (28th)
- vs. Arizona (29th)
- at Detroit (6th)
- at New York Giants (30th)
- vs. Minnesota (7th)
- vs. Detroit
- at Chicago (12th)
- vs. Tennessee (1st)
- at Minnesota
Is there really a lot of upside? Obviously you don’t drop him, thanks to the potential as well as the juicy match-up with Tennessee when fantasy titles will be on the line (as well as a few favorable match-ups with the Lions and Vikings). However, at this point I would suggest getting an alternative if you haven’t already done so. There are definitely going to be plenty of weeks, unless something changes, where he isn’t a recommended play as a TE1 based on his production and opponent.
What are your thoughts of Finley? Do you think he will be a viable option? Is he a player you are going to trust moving forward?
Make sure to check out all of our Week 7 rankings:
Finley is a g! He’s gonna explode this week I hope everyone benches him but me! If u really think about it how good has Rodgers been the first 4 weeks not great and people were like what’s going on so to me that explains finleys struggles! Yeah Rodgers had 6tds last week but finley was hurt last week and played 24 snaps if he’s ok this week watch out cause Rodgers is gonna get rushed a lot and that ball is going to finley! 8 receptions 76 yards 2 Tds!