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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Gabe Davis, WR, Jaguars
| Start pct. | 5% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Browns |
| BetMGM line | Jaguars -3 |
| BetMGM total | 41.5 |
| BetAlytics projection | 2.6 rec, 33.7 yards, 0.26 TDs |
The one-trick pony is a player few fantasy managers, if any, are willing to saddle up. But for those not in four-team family leagues, Davis is worth considering as a FLEX or WR3 in Week 2. Yes, that statement was written stone-cold sober.
Whether pondering Deshaun Watson’s ongoing legal issues or reviewing the tape from a disastrous Week 1 performance against the Cowboys, the Browns are in a virtual state of disrepair. Defensively, they finished an appreciable No. 9 in EPA per play D, but judging by the numbers Dak Prescott, Brandin Cooks, Zeke Elliott and CeeDee Lamb accumulated, Cleveland defenders were somewhat exposed.
Speaking specifically to Kevin Stefanski’s secondary, Martin Emerson Jr. was the DB most de-panted. In his 35 coverage snaps, he allowed five catches on seven targets (71.4 catch percentage), 64 yards, a 19.0 aDOT, one touchdown and a wretched 139.3 passer rating, according to Pro Football Focus.
With Emerson Jr. projected to be Davis’ primary assignment, the matchup is unquestionably mouthwatering.
Against Miami in Week 1, Davis was an impeccable 3-for-3 on targets-to-catches. Overall, he totaled 62 yards, averaged 2.58 yards per route run and tallied a 16.0 aDOT. His signature outside-the-numbers grabs were clearly on display. Given the mano y mano matchup, Trevor Lawrence is sure to unleash a bomb or three in Davis’ direction.
Admittedly, this is an off-your-rocker selection, but the advanced data — don’t you dare shout SAMPLE SIZE — present a strong argument. Rolling the dice, Davis finishes top-24 among Week 2 fantasy wideouts.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 71 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.1 fantasy points.
Week 2 Bonus Flames
Kahlil Shakir, WR, Bills
| Start pct. | 12% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Dolphins |
Featured as a potential shocker special by yours truly before meaningful football began, Shakir paid an immediate dividend last Sunday. In a surprising shootout against Arizona, the Buffalo slot man sounded the jackpot sirens — that is, for those in challenging formats. He was only targeted a rather unexciting three times, but he hauled in all three passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Matched against friendly SCB Kader Kohou in Week 2, Shakir is a recommended WR3 in 12-team leagues. Kohou picked up where he left off as lead manager of the disappointment department. In Week 1 against Jacksonville, he was targeted six times and gave up four receptions for 67 yards. His resulting 104.2 passer rating lived down to expectations. Get us closer to the end-season cash, Khalil.
Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 82 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 17.2 fantasy points.
Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders
| Start pct. | 41% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Ravens |
The ballyhooed rookie tight end stripped down to his skivvies and made a ginormous cannonball splash in his NFL debut. A top performer in a down week for tight ends, he was targeted eight times, reeled in six passes and finished with 58 yards against the Chargers. His 96.9 route percentage — 20 of the 35 routes were out of the slot — and 5.6 aDOT showed how offensive coordinator Luke Getsy plans to utilize the former Georgia Bulldog. For those not fluent in numbers speak, think in snack-sized servings. Bowers' instant chemistry with Gardner Minshew should carry over against a Ravens defense that is likely to improve greatly on its Week 1 No. 30 standing in dropback EPA defense. Blame some rando named Patrick Mahomes. Functioning mostly within 15 yards on slants, quick hitches and posts, Bowers earns his Milk-Bones.
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 66 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.1 fantasy points.
Season record: 2-1