After a dismal opening week, Drake London has become a reliable receiver for fantasy football managers who need production. Meanwhile, Josh Reynolds has stepped up for the Lions in the absence of Jameson Williams and emerged as a key cog in the passing game. Now with Williams returning from suspension, should you continue to trust Reynolds or rely on the steady production of London?
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Drake London’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
The quarterback play coming out of Atlanta has been horrifically bad, but London has emerged as a trusted target for Desmond Ridder. After recording only one target in the team’s opening game, London has finished with at least six targets in each subsequent contest this season.
London has caught more touchdowns than any other Falcon, but there is a major flaw with his game. The Falcons utilize a run-heavy offense with little upside available for the receivers. London has made the most of his opportunities, but he projects to be more of a steady, safe option for fantasy managers.
London is an incredibly talented receiver, and if he were on any offense that had even average quarterback play, he would be in the conversation as a top-15 fantasy WR. Unfortunately, Ridder has not shown signs of developing into an adequate quarterback. There is a small chance that Ridder could be benched for backup Taylor Heinicke, which would be a boost to the Atlanta passing attack.
Josh Reynolds’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
Reynolds has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers this season, tallying up 12 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns so far. He has been the Lions’ primary deep threat for the start of the season while Williams has been suspended.
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Amon-Ra St. Brown is the team’s top receiving option, but he is deployed from the slot position, usually drawing weaker coverage. With St. Brown drawing more attention from safeties, Reynolds has shown the ability to get behind the secondary and make a play.
Which Wide Receiver Should You Start?
London and the Falcons face off against the Houston Texans, who have a much better defense than expected. London would match up against Steven Nelson, who has helped turn around this feisty Texans defense that’s allowed only 195 passing yards per game so far.
The Lions go up against the Panthers, who are in the top 10 in passing yards allowed per game. Reynolds not only has to worry about a tenacious pass defense but the return of Williams from his suspension. The team may want to slowly bring along Williams, but he could eat into Reynolds’ productivity.
I would suggest starting London over Reynolds because he has a more concrete role in his offense, and the Falcons do not have other receivers who are talented enough to eat into his target share. Carolina also tends to force low-scoring games.
Meanwhile, Houston’s offense has taken off, which could create a fantasy-friendly environment for London. All signs point to London as the receiver you want in lineups this Sunday.