It’s been well over a month since fantasy football managers and the Miami Dolphins have seen DeVante Parker. He’s been on the injured reserve with a recurring hamstring strain. It marked Parker’s second extended absence due to his hamstring. With Parker back this week, does he warrant consideration for a spot in fantasy lineups?
DeVante Parker’s volume has been there
Although Parker has only played in five games this season, he’s been productive in all of them, averaging 8.6 targets per game. He’s scored no fewer than 8.2 PPR fantasy points in a single contest. In his last two games (Weeks 4 and 8), Parker finished as a mid WR2 — quite useful for fantasy purposes.
Will DeVante Parker remain fantasy-viable alongside Jaylen Waddle?
On the season, Parker is averaging a very respectable 12.9 PPR ppg. Those are WR3 numbers and worthy of a spot in fantasy lineups. But how will Parker’s return impact Jaylen Waddle?
Parker has not played a game without Waddle this season. Waddle, on the other hand, has played in seven games without Parker. In those seven games, he is averaging 18 PPR ppg. However, when Parker is active, Waddle averages just 11.8 PPR ppg.
Waddle started seeing heavier targeting during Parker’s first absence in Weeks 5-7. Then, when Parker returned in Week 8, the veteran immediately resumed the WR1 role. Yet, Waddle’s usage did not take a hit. He saw 11 targets in that game, the same number as Parker.
Fantasy managers should feel just as confident using Waddle as they normally would. Without Parker, Tua Tagovailoa was relegated to throwing to random ancillary receivers such as Albert Wilson, Mack Hollins, and Isaiah Ford. Those targets are likely to consolidate around Parker without coming at Waddle’s expense.
Can fantasy managers trust Parker in his first game back from the IR?
It’s always risky to start a player coming off an extended absence. This is especially the case when it’s a lingering and recurring hamstring strain.
The good news is we have precedent this very season. Parker returned in Week 8 following his first three-week absence and looked completely healthy. He posted 85 yards on 8 receptions.
Given Parker’s history of hamstring issues, the Dolphins would not activate him if he wasn’t fully ready to return. I trust that Parker is capable of playing his usual 90% of the snaps.
The Giants are an average matchup for wide receivers, allowing the 14th-most fantasy points to the position. Given Parker’s reliable target floor (he’s seen at least 7 in every game this season), fantasy managers can trust him as a solid WR3.
What about Jaylen Waddle?
In Parker’s absence, Waddle established himself as one of the better wide receivers in the league. He’s seen at least 8 targets in six of his last seven games. It’s certainly possible his volume takes a hit with Parker back, but I really don’t think so.
Waddle has earned Tua’s trust, and the Dolphins’ passing game has a consolidated target share. Even if Tua attempts just 30 passes, I would expect Parker, Waddle, and Mike Gesicki to account for over 70% of the targets. Waddle remains a strong WR2.