Considering last year’s performance, Allen Robinson is on a short leash for many fantasy owners; after his Week I debut with the Rams, many may be willing to trade him for a bag of peanuts.
Robinson caught only 1-of-2 targets for 12 yards in Week I. That said, he played 97% of the downs, and coincidentally enough, he was quite open. Why didn’t Stafford target Robinson then? For one, Stafford was pressured 38% of the time, halting his passing progressions.
Besides Giants content, I'm a big fantasy football nerd
Allen Robinson had a 96% routes run share & a 97% snap share
Here are all of his routes that are not screens or just quick curls vs. press
Also left out the garbage time fade at the end of the game (time restrictions) pic.twitter.com/2XOYE4vcaI
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) September 9, 2022
Head Coach of the Los Angeles Rams, Sean McVay, took responsibility for Robinson’s quiet debut.
“This is where we’ve got to do a better job, and I’ve got to do a better job.’ I think he’s the epitome of a pro’s pro. But I think for us to be the best version of ourselves, as far as our offense is concerned, him only getting that one target, You’ve got to get him more involved.” Said McVay.
With the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. and Robert Woods, another receiver needs to step up. Van Jefferson is still nursing a knee and shoulder injury, and Ben Skowronek is no more than a gadget piece. The Rams are paying Robinson $15.5 million, so unless you’re Kenny Golladay, the ball will follow the money.
Brandin Cooks may not be the flashiest name on this list, but let me tell you, the dude commands attention. Week in and week out, Cooks will see ten plus targets, and in 5-of-his-last-6 games, he’s accounted for 30% of the Texan’s receiving yards.
In Week I, Cooks caught 7-of-12 passes for 82 yards. He saw a 34.3% target share (7th in the NFL) and could’ve easily had 30 more yards if not for a quarterback underthrow.
✨ Flea flicker magic ✨
📺 » @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/FRPeEkgNkn
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 11, 2022
Brandin Cooks is the definition of consistency and genuinely deserves more recognition as a receiver in the NFL. The Texans will be in a negative game script throughout the season, so it’s safe to say the targets will keep coming his way.
Drake London may be the hardest to acquire, considering his upside is evident to most individuals. In Week I, London hauled in 5-of-7 passes for 74 yards. The rookie also led the team in targets, receiving yards, and running routes.
Drake London hitting the whip route against Marshon Lattimore.
Rapid hip sink.
No wasted movement.
Always finishes angry.The number of 6'4" receivers that you can call this for is very limited (especially against a talent like Lattimore). London is SPECIAL. pic.twitter.com/bixhVeZrf3
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) September 13, 2022
London recorded 160 career receptions (17th all-time at USC) for 2,153 yards (16th all-time at USC), with a 13.5 yards/catch and 15 touchdowns. He boasted nine career 100-yard receiving games and is the only Trojan to have 15 or more catches in a game, twice. His highly-decorated collegiate career and freakish athleticism (6-foot-4, 220 pounds, 4.5 40-yard-dash) are why he was drafted 8th overall in the 2022 draft.
“I don’t want to pump his tires and let him get a big head after game one, but Drake is exactly the guy we thought he was when we went out there and worked him out at USC.” Said Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith.
The rookie passes the eye test, and like the Texans, the Falcons will most likely be in a negative game script throughout the year, creating more opportunities for the London.
Having said all of this, London has a difficult matchup Week II against a fired-up Rams team. Anticipate a mediocre/poor showing from the rookie, and when his stock falls, take advantage.
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