Week 15: Green vs Browns
A.J. Green is definitely healthy again as he put up monster numbers last week against Pittsburgh. He caught 11 balls for 224 yards and touchdown, the second straight week he has reached the end zone. Green can dominate a game even when he is the focus of the defense, which was the case last week.
Green did not have a great game against the Browns the last time out despite 10 targets, and the matchup is neutral as Cleveland is ranked 17th in aFPA to wide receivers. Still, we see Green making an impact in Week 15. Start him as a low-end WR1 against the Browns.
Week 14: Green vs Steelers
A.J. Green only had four catches for 57 yards, but one of them was for a touchdown, his fifth of the season. Green remains a dangerous offensive weapon, even with Andy Dalton having a subpar season.
Green will face the Steelers for the seventh time of his career and has had only moderate success against them. The 2014 Steelers are a good matchup as they are ranked 23rd in aFPA to wide receivers. We expect a good game from Green who should start in all formats as a solid WR1 for Week 14.
Week 13: Green vs Buccaneers
A.J. Green had a season-high 12 catches and 16 targets last week, and he now has back-to-back 100+ receiving yard games. He didn't get into the end zone last week, but touchdowns will come. The great news for fantasy owners is Green is finally looking healthy.
Tampa Bay is 29th in aFPA to wide receivers, making Green a top play this week. Expect a big game coming for Green in sunny Tampa. Start him in all formats as a top 5 fantasy wide receiver.
Week 12: Green vs Texans
You can tell A.J. Green is almost all the way back from his toe injury. Just look at QB Andy Dalton's numbers. Green had six catches for 128 yards and a touchdown last week and was targeted eight times. He definitely looked healthy.
And he might match or exceed those numbers this week against the Texans who are ranked 31st in aFPA to wide receivers. Start Green in all formats and leagues as a top 5 option in a great matchup.
Week 11: Green vs Saints
In his second game back from injury, A.J. Green's production was awful, but it wasn't because of the lack of effort. He was targeted a team-high 10 times, but Andy Dalton just plain stunk out the joint. If Dalton's performances continue in that manner, Green's fantasy numbers will suffer. But the Bengals will try to get the ball to him so it is execution at this point.
The good news is the matchup this week. New Orleans ranks 23rd in aFPA to wide receivers. Green will get the passes thrown to him and Dalton isn't nearly as bad as he looked last week. Green rates a low-end WR1 for Week 11 so start him in all leagues.
Week 10: Green vs Browns
A.J. Green returned last week after missing three games with a bad toe. You could tell he wasn't 100% and the fact he only played 58% of the snaps tells you the Bengals realized that. That number should climb this week as the toe heals more.
Green has had more touchdowns against the Browns than any other team (4), but his other numbers have not been great. Cleveland ranks 15th in aFPA to wide receivers, but don't forget the Browns just got torched by Jags rookie Mike Evans for a big game. Start Green as a low-end WR1 this week as the matchup is decent and he will get more snaps.
Week 9: Green vs Jaguars
A.J. Green has been practicing this week and although he could still sit out one more week, he's looking likely to play. Fantasy owners have missed him and so has Andy Dalton, especially in the red zone. Dalton has thrown zero TD passes the past two weeks.
Keep an eye on the active list on Sunday. If Green plays, he will face a Jags defense ranked 12th in aFPA to wide receivers. That matchup is good enough for Green to be low-end WR1 in a week with six teams on bye, but don't expect a fully healthy AJ Green, as we might not see that again all season. Keep expectations in check, but if he goes, owners can start him.
Week 5: Green vs. Patriots
It's been a strange start to A.J. Green's season. He had two strong performances with 100+ receiving days, but didn't have a catch Week 2 as he exited with a toe injury. Expect more of the 100 yard performances, as Green appears to be healthy and is no longer on the injury report.
The Bengals Week 5 opponent has been very good against wide receivers this season. What that means is you probably won't see crazy numbers from Green, but he is still a solid WR1. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Week 3: Green vs Titans
A nightmare week for Green's owners. When you are depending on someone like him and he nets zero points, you know you are in trouble. Looking ahead, Green is still questionable for Week 3 against a tough Tennessee pass defense, but is expected to suit up.
If he does play, he rates a WR2 based on injury risk, so he should be in your lineup. Just don't expect a Week 1 type performance with him less than 100%.
Week 2: Green vs Falcons
There is no doubt A.J. Green is one of the best fantasy receivers in the NFL. He is good against the good defenses and even better against the bad ones. Green had 6 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown last week which is about what we expected from him.
Green did sit out practice on Thursday, but it was precautionary. Health is really the only thing that can stop him at this point.
The matchup this week is against one of those bad defenses. The Falcons will not have many answers for Green so expect big numbers again. Start him in all leagues as one of the top receiver options in Week 2.
