Week 5 vs. Kansas City
Eddie Royal was finally able to step in and have good production in place of Alshon Jeffery last week. He finished with seven receptions on 10 targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. His numbers favored PPR formats, and it was his second seven-reception game this season.
If Jeffery sits again, look for another game where Royal sees a lot of targets. The Chiefs have struggled against the pass this season, so someone for Chicago will end up having success. Royal's ceiling is low, considering his 54 yards were a season high, so he should be viewed as a WR3 assuming Jeffery sits.
Week 4 vs. Oakland
Through three games, Eddie Royal has only compiled 66 receiving yards on 11 receptions. It's not all his fault, though. For the last two weeks, he's had Jimmy Clausen attempting to throw passes in his general direction.
Royal has a chance to be the No. 1 receiver again if Alshon Jeffery sits, but that hasn't proven to be beneficial thus far. He's in the WR5 territory (where he's a relevant name), but likely won't do anything substantial against the Raiders.
Week 3 vs. Seattle
Alshon Jeffery was a surprising inactive a week ago, but now owners can expect him to possibly be shut down in Week 3. Jeffery's hamstring issue leaves the door wide open for Eddie Royal to come in and contribute.
Unfortunately, Royal will be going up against one of the league's best pass defenses and will have a backup quarterback in Jimmy Clausen throwing him the ball. Royal had a PPR-centric performance in Week 2 finishing with seven receptions for 41 yards. He should be viewed as a WR4 or WR5 this week.
Week 2 vs. Arizona
Eddie Royal didn't have a great game in Week 1. He was targeted five times (less than Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte, and Martellus Bennett) and only caught one pass for eight yards. His targets will likely continue to be less than the other three stars in the offense, which doesn't leave much room for big games.
If he's able to haul in more of his targets, Royal can be a decent WR4 option this week.
Week 1 vs. Green Bay
Eddie Royal is an interesting player this year. His role has been increased due to the injury of rookie WR Kevin White, and he'll have an even larger impact if Alshon Jeffery is unable to go Sunday with a calf injury.
Royal, however, is dealing with his own injury. He's been limited in practice (hip) and is listed as questionable to play. Royal should be able to go Sunday and owners should keep an eye of Jeffery's health as well. Assuming Jeffery plays, Royal should be viewed as a WR3 or high-end WR4.
Wee 17 - Royal vs, Kansas City
Eddie Royal seemed to benefit the most with no Keenan Allen last week, catching 10 balls for 94 yards and a TD as the Bolts came from behind to beat the 49ers.
Royal was a risky start as he usually is, but certainly had some potential with no Allen in the lineup. Allen could be back this week which would put a bit of a damper on Royal's value heading into this must-win game for SD. Royal is a risky play no matter what but will at least look a little safer if Allen doesn't play. Royal had a 1-20-0 line back in Week 7 against KC. The Chiefs are in the top-ten in terms of allowing fantasy points to WRs. He's a roll of the dice start weekly.
Week 16 - Royal vs. San Francisco
Eddie Royal caught three balls for 27 yards last week, while being targeted four times. After a big game in Week 13, Royal has only managed just a couple of points over the last two weeks. Royal could see a little more work this week, as Keenan Allen isn't expected to play. He could be a sneaky start option, but the 49ers are fifth in allowing fantasy points to WRs and this game is on the road on top of the Chargers also most likely missing Ryan Mathews in the running game. Look for a better option.
Week 15 - Royal vs. Denver
Eddie Royal continued his up and down season and last week had just two catches for 30 yards on five targets. This followed a Week 13 performance where he put up a line of 9-81-1. Back in Week 8, Royal wasn't really a factor against Denver as he caught just three balls for 29 yards. Royal is a risky start but does have some potential to produce.
Week 14 - Royal vs. New England
Eddie Royal got back on the fantasy radar last week catching nine balls for 81 yards and a TD in the Bolts come-from-behind win over Baltimore. He was targeted 10 times. It was Royal's sixth TD of the year but his first in the last seven games. He remains a risky option and likely saw a lot more work due to the Chargers having to play catch-up.
Week 13 - Royal vs. Baltimore
Eddie Royal had his most productive week since Week 6 against the Raiders. Last week he caught six balls for 50 yards on six targets. His last four games have been busts, so even after this performance, and a potentially good matchup at Baltimore this week, Royal should be considered unsafe for lineups.
