With the coachspeak and player-driven hype already intensifying before the 2024 NFL season, Brad Evans examines some of the bolder claims to guide fantasy managers and sports bettors to profitability.
The Claim: In a recent post-practice media session, Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing talked up wide receiver Greg Dortch’s increased versatility, expressing a desire to call his number often and give him more opportunities.
B.S. Barometer: 3 (1 = buyable; 5 = a heaping pile).
The Spin: Admittedly, the plucky veteran receiver just missed the cut on my shocker specials piece, but he unquestionably earned honorable mention votes. Available in the dark recesses of drafts, the sure-handed but undersized (5-foot-7, 173 pounds) desert bird is due to occasionally take flight this season.
In smatterings, Dortch has proved to be quite resourceful. Last year in an expanded role over Weeks 11 through 18, he totaled 39 targets, 23 receptions, 278 yards and two touchdowns. That wasn’t world-beating production, but for those that play in challenging formats with multiple flexes, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed.
The undrafted Wake Forest product has limitations, Obviously, given his diminutive stature, there are some amusement park rides he isn’t allowed on. Also, with 4.65 40-yard speed, he won’t burn many defensive backs downfield.
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In 2023, Dortch ranked No. 71 in average depth of target (9.5), No. 73 in yards per route run (1.18) and No. 89 in air yards share, but as indicated by his 2023 No. 1 ranking in true catch rate — catch percentage based solely on catchable targets tracked by PlayerProfiler — he’s dependable when passes are spun inside his tight window. The on-field chemistry he developed with Kyler Murray down the homestretch should carry over.
In an Arizona offense with a rookie freak in Marvin Harrison Jr. and an ascending tight end in Trey McBride, Dortch will only occasionally be the apple of the Dachshund of the Desert’s eye. Still, it’s not unfathomable he outproduces Zay Jones and Michael Wilson for fantasy devices. Combine that belief with the Cardinals’ seventh-easiest projected fantasy strength of schedule for WRs and arguably the worst defense in the league, and Dortch is bound to periodically scorch in PPR formats.
A late-round leviathan? Maybe. However, as any seasoned fantasy player knows, unheralded glue guys like Dortch can help managers weather injuries, roster turnover and bye weeks.
Before you go kicker in Round 17, draft and stash the sure-handed Cardinals wideout (ADP: 229.64, WR87) in 12-team or deeper leagues.