It’s a tricky determination, because it’s a question of degree rather than fact, because it’s hard to envision any way that Vincent Jackson’s numbers don’t suffer even a little if he were to return to the Chargers today. Or even more likely, if he were dealt right now to another team.
How Much Does Vincent Jackson’s Fantasy Value Suffer From Holdout?
Jackson is coming off his best statistical season, in which he compiled 1,167 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Then again, it’s only been the last two years that he’s really put up substantial numbers. His numbers in 2006 and 2007 combined (during which he started 23 games) don’t even match what he did last season.
So if Jackson is dealt, one has to wonder just how much his emergence as a top-15 statistical wideout has to do with his relationship with an outstanding quarterback in Philip Rivers. His most likely destination, Seattle, has a recent track record of destroying big time fantasy receivers. Look at what happened there after Deion Branch or T.J. Houshmandzadeh arrived.
Those two examples can be explained away, to a degree. Houshmandzadeh was getting on in years by the time he arrived in Seattle. Even in his best year with the Patriots, Branch was not a huge fantasy force: 998 yards and five touchdowns. Nevertheless, both experienced a dropoff once they came to the Seahawks. It must also be noted that they didn’t arrive for the current coaching regime.
Jackson certainly has talent and great size. But he’s also facing a two-game suspension. Taken together, all these factors should make Jackson a worrisome choice for even a second receiver on a fantasy team. That is, unless he is dealt to his new team within the nest week and a half.
See More:
