Calvin Johnson injury update: Considering other fantasy WR options

With Calvin Johnson’s status in doubt, Dan Ciarrocchi examines a few receivers with late games that could take his place in fantasy lineups.

by Dan Ciarrocchi

Dec 22, 2013, 5:33 PM UTC

Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: Fantasy owners should double check the official inactive list, but Calvin Johnson was spotted getting loose prior to Sunday’s kickoff, which suggests that he will play.

Calvin Johnson (questionable) dressed for warmups and is getting loose.
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) December 22, 2013

Should Calvin Johnson not be able to go on Sunday for the Detroit Lions, it will be a major blow for fantasy owners during championship week. But that doesn't mean that the best can't be made out of a terrible situation, and for owners in desperation mode, options still exist.

Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giants: The Detroit Lions are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, and despite the dumpster fire that is the Giants' passing game, there is room to capitalize. Jernigan will handle slot duties while Victor Cruz is out of commission, and it's a part of the formation that Eli Manning loves to involve.

With Cruz knocked out of Week 15's game versus the Seattle Seahawks, Jernigan was targeted eight times, catching seven passes for 65 yards versus an elite secondary.

Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks: Baldwin is taking over as the Seahawks No. 1 receiver after leading the team in snaps during Week 15's blowout win, and he's done nothing to lose that responsibility. Baldwin has found the end zone in four of his last six games, and has ousted Golden Tate as the team's most favorable fantasy option at wide receiver. Because Baldwin works mostly out of the slot, he will likely avoid coverage from Patrick Peterson. He presents a promising opportunity, and is owned in just 29 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Andre Holmes, Oakland Raiders: His emergence since a mid-season injury to Denarius Moore has allowed Andre Holmes to remain a starter in Oakland until further notice. Though he's splitting time with Moore opposite Rod Streater, there should be plenty of wealth to go around versus a Chargers defense that has allowed 15 touchdowns to wide receivers this season and over 2,700 receiving yards to them. Holmes makes for a boom-or-bust option in a plus matchup, but Megatron's owners could do far worse in desperate times. Holmes is owned in five percent of Yahoo! leagues.