Opportunity is everything when it comes to possible production from
any player at any position on the field in fantasy football terms.
Whether it is due to injury or poor performance, I changing of the guard
at a starting position is a prime opportunity for the player who is
being given the chance to step into the void that as created. Such is
the case with Detroit Lions second-year WR Ryan Broyles whose return to
active duty for Week 4 just happens to coincide with the broken arm
suffered by starter Nate Burleson in a late night car accident. Head
coach Jim Schwartz went on record Wednesday saying that Broyles in a
sense will be thrown right into the fire and that he won't be on any
sort of play count. So in steps Broyles into one of the most productive
pass offenses in the NFL this season led by gunslinging QB Matthew
Stafford and star receiver Calvin Johnson. The Lions throw it all day
on first, second, and third down and what is interesting is that
Burleson was actually the team;s leading receiver over Johnson through
three weeks. So right off the bat one can see why Broyles makes for a
very smart pickup this week as he moves into the extremely attractive
slot position for the Lions Sunday.
As far as Broyles
is concerned, he opened some eyes with some nice work as a rookie in
2012 when the former second round pick caught 22 passes in 10 games with
two touchdowns. Blessed with top end speed and solid route running
ability, Broyles shows a knack for the big play. However injuries have
been part of the equation going back to his college days and he wound up
missing the first three games of 2013 after offseason knee surgery.
But that is neither here nor there as Broyles is now ready to go Sunday
and will be setting up shop in the precious slot position for the
explosive Lions.
So what could we really expect out of
Broyles going forward? Well based on the frequency of how often the
Lions throw, Broyles would have to be hiding on the sidelines to not
have balls thrown his way. While Burleson is a much more refined and
experienced receiver, it is not out of the question that Broyles can put
up some similar numbers. He even has the advantage over Burleson as
far as big plays are concerned so there is some better TD potential here
as well. Put it all together and you have an intriguing mix of
potential and sleeper value in all formats. Get him in there.
No comments:
Post a Comment