Fantasy Upside
With Stevie Johnson done for the season after tearing a meniscus, James Jones was signed to add another veteran weapon for Philip Rivers. Jones, who had 50-catch season with the Packers last season, may have lost a step at 32, but with Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin already slated for starting spots, the Chargers are apparently comfortable using Jones as a veteran replacement in a limited role in 2016.
Fantasy Downside
In addition to having lost a step, Jones moves into the mix with younger players like Tyrell Williams and Dontrelle Inman, both of whom may have an edge on the veteran newcomer in their understanding of the offense and their chemistry with Rivers.
2016 Bottom Line
Jones won't merit redraft consideration even if he makes the final cut -- something that isn't certain heading into exhibition play. Should he excel in August and make the 53-man roster, Jones will likely be relegated to waiver-wire status. His proven nose for the end-zone could serve him well in that capacity as the season progresses, but nobody should jump to conclusions about that without seeing evidence of it on the field.
Week 19 at Arizona
Jones got 11 targets last week turning them into seven catches for 81 yards. He failed to score, but with Davante Adams down, Jones picked up the slack. Adams will sit this one out as well, so Jones should see plenty of targets. He did get 11 targets at Arizona a few weeks ago, but managed just five catches for 46 yards. The Cardinals will be a tough nut to crack again this week, but Jones should be OK to use as a No. 3 receiver.
Week 18 at Washington
Jones continues to be the receiver that Aaron Rodgers looks for down the field, as his 4-catch, 102-yard line last week shows. Because of that, he remains a high-risk, high-reward player. Jones caught eight TD passes this season and Washington allowed 23 to opposing receivers. If you're going to roll the dice on a Green Bay receiver, this is the one to play.
Week 17 vs. Minnesota
Jones had five catches for 46 yards last week but failed to score, which is pretty much his calling card in this offense. When he scores, he's usually great. When he doesn't you get next to nothing. He did have six catches for 109 yards and a score against the Vikings the first time around - one of just two 100-yard games he has had this season. Is it worth a roll of the dice this week? Well, there are worse options out there. But not really a lot, given Green Bay's offensive issues in the second half.
Week 16 at Arizona
Jones continues to be a Dirty Harry kind of player. Do you feel lucky punk? When he's good, he's typically very good, such as last week when he hauled in six passes for 82 yards and a score. When he's not, well, you're just as well off leaving an empty spot in your lineup. The Cardinals have been solid against opposing wideouts all season, ranking 10th in points allowed to the position, so proceed with caution.
Week 15 at Oakland
Jones had four receptions for 49 yards last week but failed to score for the sixth time in the past seven games. He'll be playing against his former team this week, but using Jones as anything more than a flex play this week is an extreme risk.
Week 14 vs. Dallas
You might want to put out an APB on Jones. He's had one decent game in the past two months and it most certainly wasn't last week, when he had one catch for 19 yards. Working against Dallas, which is third in points allowed to wide receivers, isn't a good prospect.
Week 13 at Detroit
Jones was shut out for the second time in three weeks, sandwiching a pair of pointless games around a line of 6-109-1. One of those games without a point came against the Lions three weeks ago. But with Davante Adams perhaps playing himself into the doghouse, Jones could certainly benefit. Jones should bounce back this week with a game good enough to at least be a No. 3 receiver with some upside.
Week 12 vs. Chicago
Jones had a strong week against Minnesota, catching 6 passes on 11 targets for 109 yards and a score. The TD catch was his team-high seventh and he remains a solid bet to score each week - though last week's touchdown was his first in four games. If Davante Adams is out or slowed by his ankle injury, Jones should be a solid play this week as at least a No. 3 receiver. He had four catches for 51 yards and two scores in Week 1 against Chicago, which has allowed 13 WR scores this season.
Week 10 at Minnesota
Calling James Jones. Come in, Mr. Jones. Jones' early production was tied directly to his touchdown catches and he hasn't scored in the past three games. Last week, he also failed to record a catch and got just two targets while teammate Devante Adams got 21 looks. The Packers need to get Jones back involved in the game plan. But you can't count on that. Keep Jones benched against Minnesota's 12th-rated WR defense in fantasy football.
