Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson was peppered with a few targets, but did not rack up much yardage during a night where the passing game sputtered.
Nate Burleson logs 51 yards for Lions, fantasy owners
The Lions’ veteran No. 2 receiver posted another modest total in a receiving game that Calvin Johnson monopolied once again. We break down the fantasy implications.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Burleson finished with four catches for a modest 51 yards, finishing second in the pecking order of targets to Calvin Johnson as usual. Johnson was targeted 14 times during a night where Matthew Stafford looked uncomfortable in the pocket and threw several inaccurate passes. Burleson was targeted on the last pass of the evening, which sailed well over his head and into the hands of Ravens safety Matt Elam.
Fantasy Spin: Though Burleson has been known to take the overflow of passing targets normally reserved for Johnson, the New York Giants are one of the stingiest defenses versus No. 2 receivers this season, averaging just 28 yards per game to them entering Week 15. Burleson is typically a player with a decent floor from week to week, but performances like the one versus the Green Bay Packers, where he drew zero targets, is a reminder that he is capable of disappearing. Burleson remains a desperation flex play for Week 16, and remains a touchdown-dependent option in leagues of all formats.
