Fantasy Upside
Keshawn Martin beat out Brandon Lafell on the depth chart and recently signed a two-year extension with the Patriots. When Edelman and Amendola were sidelined late in the year Martin had 24 catches for 269 yards on 37 targets.
Fantasy Downside
The competition around him makes it tough for him to be a huge fantasy contributor when everyone is healthy. He could return kicks and help out if there is injury trouble as Belichick seems to trust him.
2016 Bottom Line
Though his roster spot is likely safe, his ceiling is likely the WR3 in this offense unless injuries force more targets his way.
Week 17 at Miami
Keshawn Martin had a very nice Week 16, putting up a 7-68 line off eleven targets. Those hopeful for Martin's talent and outlook might see this as a breakout game, and the Patriots do have a nice passing matchup this weekend in Miami, the 26th ranked aFPA team to opposing WRs. There has been some ebb and flow, however, to Martin's target volume and production this season, so we are cautiously ranking Martin in the WR4/5 conversation.
Week 16 at New York Jets
Keshawn Martin put up a 3-26 line in Week 15, eerily similar to his 3-23-1 line in Week 14. With only two touchdowns on the season, and no game with more than three receptions under his belt, putting Martin in your lineup, despite all the injuries in front of him, would take quite a leap of faith.
Week 15 vs Tennessee
Keshawn Martin converted four targets into a reasonable 3-23-1 line in Week 14. While we haven't heard much from Martin this season, he has converted 20 targets into a 13-172-2 line on the season. With all the injuries on Patriots, it wouldn't be shocking to hear more from Martin at some point. Certainly a leap of faith to start him this weekend, we do have him ranked inside the top 50 of WR options this weekend for those in need of a deep option.
Week 11 vs Buffalo
Keshawn Martin has played in only three games thus far in 2015, but has put up a cumulative 6-95-1 line off seven targets. He's been dealing with hamstring injuries, but may get back on the field this weekend. QB Tom Brady has taken to talking up Martin of late as a possible benefactor of WR Julian Edelman's injury. While we're not quick to trust that, Martin is on our fantasy radar this weekend as a desperation play in deep leagues.
Week 15 – Deshawn Martin vs. Indianapolis Colts
Keshawn Martin hasn't done much this season, but may get some extra playing time this week depending on the availability of Andre Johnson (concussion). Even if Johnson is out, look elsewhere for a starting WR.
Week 3 – Keshawn Martin vs. New York Giants
With the Texans controlling the games on the ground the first two weeks, Ryan Fitzpatrick just isn’t having to throw the ball that much. Keshawn Martin did not receive a target last week and should not be taking up a valuable fantasy roster spot.
Week 2 – Keshawn Martin vs. Oakland Raiders
Ryan Fitzpatrick attempted only 22 passes last Sunday, with 14 of them going to Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans are still very much a run the ball first team and let Fitzpatrick manage the game, so there’s no reason for Keshawn Martin to be on your roster.
Fantasy Upside
Keshawn Martin, along with Devier Posey and Mike Thomas, have been competing all summer for the slot receiving spot in Houston. Despite reports that Thomas took the early lead, Martin was back in contention by the end of August. While his role as a receiver remains a bit cloudy, Martin will be the Texans' kick and punt returner this season. New HC Bill O'Brien met with Martin after organized team activities (OTAs) back in April to go over the ways in which he wanted to see him improve. Martin had plenty of struggles in both the return game and as a receiver last season, and had to fight his way onto the roster. By midway through training camp, Martin had clearly moved himself off the bubble and into the mix at wideout.
Fantasy Downside
Is essentially a bottom-feeder in a passing attack with very high-end frontline players.
Bottom Line
Investing draft capital on players with fringe roles is reserved for the deepest of redraft leagues and Dynasty players. Martin falls into that category.
