Fantasy football leagues are won, lost, twisted and turned upside down each season in wake of key player injuries. This usually materializes in the form of a running back injury that paves the way for 20 touches per game for a previously under-the-radar backup.
Fantasy football draft strategy: 3 wide receiver handcuffs for 2015
Running backs aren’t the only position of value when it comes to backups. Dan Ciarrocchi explores a few wide receivers who could help your fantasy team in case of injury.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
This can reign true with wide receivers, as well. With Jordy Nelson now sidelined, Davante Adams is launching up draft boards not just due to his talent and opportunities, but because other receivers in the past have benefitted from other injuries. In 2014, Golden Tate erupted for a pair of 150-yard games in Calvin Johnson's brief absence, and Kenny Stills sprung into fantasy relevance after Brandin Cooks was placed on injured reserve.
Injuries are random and difficult to predict, but there are a handful of receivers who could thrive if the injury bug plagues the men above them on the depth chart.
Brandon Coleman
He's already getting reps in the first-team offense, and could play a role regardless of who gets injured. The fact of the matter is, the New Orleans Saints have some slack to pick up in their passing game after the departures of Jimmy Graham and Stills. Coleman is a massive 6'6 target, and one whom could assert himself as a red-zone force once the regular season begins.
But should Marques Colston miss any time, or become limited, which isn't out of the realm of possibility for the 32-year-old wideout, Coleman could be in line for a massive workload. Stills and Graham accounted for 209 targets in 2014, and assuming the Saints continue to pass often, those targets are going to have to go somewhere. As a result, Coleman makes for a fine stash in deep leagues.
Leonard Hankerson
Often battled by injuries of his own, Leonard Hankerson could find himself in a situation to thrive if Julio Jones or Roddy White miss any time for the Atlanta Falcons. Already familiar with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's offense from his Washington days, Hankerson possesses ideal size and strong enough hands to be an effective red-zone option. Keep in mind that the Falcons made Harry Douglas a 1,000-yard receiver in 2013 when Jones succumbed to a foot injury, and should that happen again, Hankerson could put up similar numbers.
Marvin Jones
He’s back, and if AJ Green misses time once again in 2015, Jones could put up some serious numbers. After missing all of 2014, Jones is picking up where he left off the season before after posting 10 touchdowns. Jones earned starting duties, and would be in line for a massive uptick in targets, and has proven he can do a lot with them.
When both Green and Jones missed time in 2014, Mohamed Sanu was the primary receiver in the offense. In that three-game span, Sanu, a capable receiver, posted over 120 yards twice, but lacks the natural athleticism that Jones and Green possess. Provided that Jones returns to his 2013 form, he would make some noise as Andy Dalton's primary target.
