Ryan Broyles ready for full workload, could see rise in fantasy value
The Lions’ wide receiver appears to be fully back from his ACL tear and ready to be a full contributor. We break down the fantasy implications.
Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
The Detroit Lions were without star wide receiver Calvin Johnson in Week 5, and have been searching for a viable No. 2 receiver since Nate Burleson's injury. Despite that, Ryan Broyles has seen only 43.1 percent of the team's 202 offensive snaps in the three games he's been active this season, including only 28 snaps Sunday against the Packers.
That said, Broyles appears set to handle a full workload Sunday, and Scott Linehan said the team will give him one, according to Detroit Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman. This has been the plan all along for Broyles’ return from last season’s ACL tear, Twentyman said.
Fantasy impact: Broyles has caught only five balls for 61 yards in his three games this season, having been shut out of all production in Week 4 against the Bears. That said, the Lions clearly struggled to put an offense together Sunday against Green Bay, held to only one garbage-time touchdown and only 262 passing yards for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
There is a chance Johnson misses another game this weekend (he is being called a game-time decision). Even if he plays, chances are he’s not at full Megatron strength, and even if he is, the Lions still need a second receiver to develop. Broyles, if healthy, is the most talented candidate the Lions have, and if he does in fact get that full workload, he might be worth monitoring - but not yet starting - in fantasy leagues.
• Week 6 fantasy football waiver wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
