New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has been a pretty solid flex option in fantasy football this year. In some formats, he’s probably become an every-week starter with all of the injuries we’ve seen. What’s his story, though? Can Meyers continue to be fantasy-relevant down the stretch when his managers need him most?
Jakobi Meyers has continued to improve throughout his career
Meyers has been an intriguing fantasy player this year. He’s been mediocre most weeks but seems to be hitting his stride of late. He’s been in the league for a few years but hasn’t really had a chance to break out. That might be about to change starting this week.
Meyers’ history
As a rookie in 2019, Meyers caught 26 of 41 targets for 359 yards. In his second year with New England, he took a step forward, catching 59 of 81 targets for 729 yards. This season, through 10 games, he has a total of 50 catches on 76 targets for 483 yards and 1 touchdown. Not bad, but not exactly a stud player either.
Meyers has been a waiver wire option for most of his career. While he led the team in catches, yards, and fantasy points last year, he was barely a flex option with 10.2 PPR points per game. The team just seemed to spread the ball around too much and lean on the running game more. That meant that Meyers was on the radar for fantasy managers but just barely.
First career touchdown in Week 10
As I mentioned earlier, Meyers has a single touchdown in his career. After two and a half seasons, Meyers finally found the end zone in Week 10. He caught all 4 of his targets for 49 yards (including the touchdown), which came from backup QB Brian Hoyer.
When he caught that touchdown, the entire Patriots team met him in the end zone. It was an emotional moment for everyone. On his 198th career target, on his 135th career catch, Meyers finally found what had eluded him. It was easily the highlight of the game where the Patriots dominated the Browns, 45-7.
Meyers’ fantasy outlook for Week 11
The Patriots face the Atlanta Falcons tonight for Week 11’s Thursday Night Football. The Falcons come into the game at 4-5, needing a victory to stay in the playoff hunt. The Patriots are 6-4 with a four-game winning streak. Something’s gotta give, and I think it’ll be the Falcons’ defense that will cave first.
Atlanta’s defense so far
The Falcons haven’t exactly been good at stopping opponents this year. On the season, Atlanta’s defense is No. 31 in points allowed, allowing an average of 29.2 points per game. This definitely bodes well for a Patriots team that is just starting to hit their stride.
Through nine games, the Falcons’ defense ranks 17th in passing yards and 30th in passing touchdowns. By comparison, they are 21st in rushing yards and 25th in rushing touchdowns.
Start or sit Meyers this week?
For the year, Meyers is the WR33 in PPR scoring. Thus, he’s easily in the WR3/flex conversation most weeks. Against a porous Falcons defense and after finally breaking his scoreless streak, I expect Meyers and QB Mac Jones to light it up on Thursday night.
Meyers’ target volume has been trending in the wrong direction as of late, but I fully expect him to bounce back this week. He and the team should still be riding high on last week’s big game and should take that confidence into Atlanta.
I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Meyers goes for over 100 receiving yards and/or catches 2 more touchdowns this week. I’m starting him with confidence where I have him rostered. Even if he falls short, Meyers should still be fun to watch on Thursday night.