Fantasy Football Friday FLEX: Antonio Brown, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Fantasy Football Friday FLEX is where we name our FLEX Play of the Week. And for Week 9 the FLEX Play of the Week is…
Friday FLEX Play of the Week: Antonio Brown, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tony Toe Tap.
Mr. Big Chest.
AB.
He’s back and he’s going to be peppered with targets immediately from Tom Brady. The Buccaneers take on the Saints and a pass defense that has allowed bundles of points to WRs. It doesn’t matter the game you can go back and look and you’ll see that the Saints give up points in bundles to the WR position. Mike Evans has disappeared at times this season and Chris Godwin is coming off finger surgery so he may or may not play.
Leaving Antonio Brown.
Chances are the Buccaneers will score points and Brady showered Brown with targets in their brief time together in New England; 8 targets for 4 catches and 56 yards and 1 TD. I’m not concerned about Chris Godwin playing or sitting because I believe AB has the best chemistry with Brady of all the WRs. Godwin has been in and out of the lineup so far and Mike Evans has disappeared at moments leaving plenty of opportunities for AB to cement himself as a legitimate threat in the offense right away. While Bruce Arians has said AB’s snaps could range from 10 to 35 depending on several factors including AB’s endurance/stamina. Rumors are that AB is in phenomenal physical condition. Also, reports are that Brady has AB living with him and AB has been rocking TB12 gear. These two are so connected and focused that Brady is going to him as the number one option right from the first play.
The Saints have given up the 9th most fantasy points per game to WRs this season. The Saints have allowed more than 10 points in Yahoo! Half-point PPR leagues to the following WRs:
- Chris Godwin
- Scotty Miller
- Allen Lazard
- Kenny Golladay
- Mike Williams
- DJ Moore
- Curtis Samuel
- Robby Anderson
- Allen Robinson
- Darnell Mooney
- Anthony Miller
What makes you think AB can’t go for double digits in his season debut? Don’t forget about how familiar AB is with the current Buccaneers staff. Current Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich is a former teammate of his from Pittsburgh as is Antwaan Randle El who is an assistant coach. Additionally, Bruce Arians served as AB’s Offensive Coordinator in Pittsburgh. This staff knows what they’re getting with him and know how to use him.
Production Prediction: 6 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD
