Week 17 vs. Carolina Panthers
Julio Jones seemed limited last week despite returning from injury. He only played on 27% of the offensive snaps, finishing with one catch for five yards on two targets. Jones has had some decent games this year, but his injury issues have made him unreliable. He's not worth trusting in Week 17.
Week 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Julio Jones saw eight targets last week, finishing with five receptions for 38 yards. Since returning from injury, Jones has averaged 3.0 receptions for 34.7 yards. Enough to stay relevant, but not enough to really make him a reliable fantasy asset. He's not much more than a desperation WR5 option for Week 15 against the Bengals.
Week 14 at San Francisco 49ers
Julio Jones saw six targets last week, finishing 3-28. It's a slightly below average stat line from Jones since he's returned from injury in Week 8. In the five games he's played since returning, Jones is averaging 2.6 receptions for 34 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Jones has enough of a role to stay relevant as a flex option in deeper leagues, but he's not a strong start. He should be viewed in the WR4 range in Week 14 in a favorable matchup vs. the 49ers (28th aFPA).
Week 13 vs. New Orleans Saints
Julio Jones finished 3-40 on four targets last week while adding 15 yards on a carry. Jones has been OK since returning from injury in Week 8. In his four games back, Jones has averaged 2.5 receptions for 35.5 yards and 0.5 touchdowns. It's enough production to keep Jones relevant, but not enough to really wow anyone. Jones has some appeal as a WR4 in Week 13 against the Saints (18th aFPA).
Week 12 at Cleveland Browns
Julio Jones continued to be involved in the Bucs' offense in Week 10, finishing 3-53-1 on five targets. Jones hasn't been an integral part of the Bucs' offense like Antonio Brown was the past two seasons, but he's been a solid contributor since returning from injury, scoring twice in three games. Although in two of those games, he finished below 30 receiving yards. Jones has some appeal, but he's still a fairly risky option in Week 12 vs. the Browns (14th aFPA). He should be viewed as a low-end WR5.
Week 10 vs. Seattle Seahawks in Germany
Julio Jones saw five targets last week, and finished 2-28. Interestingly enough, he actually played fewer snaps (36%) than he did in Week 8 (57%). It's not promising that Jones only had two receptions in a game where Tom Brady threw the ball 58 times. Until Jones starts to show some more promise, we'd leave him benched.
Week 9 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Julio Jones was finally healthy and active last week, although he was still somewhat limited. Jones played on 57% of the offensive snaps, seeing four targets while finishing 2-21-1. He caught the Bucs' only receiving touchdown of the night in the final minute of the game. Jones offers some upside for whenever he gets fully healthy, but he still looked somewhat hobbled in Week 8 against the Ravens. He'll be a WR4 play this week in an OK matchup against the Rams.
Week 5 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones returned to action in Week 4, but he didn't see much playing time. Jones played on just 28% of the offensive snaps after seeing 52% in Week 1. He also didn't see the ball much, getting just two targets while finishing with one catch for seven yards. It's unclear if Jones is on a snap count because of his injury, or if he just isn't going to be that involved with this offense while Chris Godwin is healthy. He gets a Revenge Game this week against the Falcons, but his usage in Week 4 should have fantasy owners concerned. We'd shy away from playing Jones in Week 5.
Week 4 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Julio Jones was inactive again in Week 3 as he's now missed two straight games. On Monday, Bucs coach Todd Bowles says he expects Jones to suit up for Week 4 vs. the Chiefs. He's been limited in practice so far, so he's trending towards playing. But Jones is reportedly dealing with a partially torn PCL, so even if he's active he could be limited or on a snap count. He's a risky bet if he does play. He should be viewed as WR4/flex play in Week 4.
Week 3 vs. Green Bay Packers
Julio Jones was inactive in Week 2 with a knee injury, and he was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Tampa Bay desperately needs him with Mike Evans suspended and Chris Godwin unlikely to play. If he is active, he'd be in a great spot as the clear No. 1 option, although he could be limited due to his injury. It's also not a great matchup against Jaire Alexander and the Packers. If Jones is able to play, he should be viewed as a WR3.
