Week 12: Douglas vs. Browns
Harry Douglas caught four-of-four passes for 46 yards in the Falcons’ Week 11 win over the Panthers. His role has slowly grown since a foot injury caused him to miss four games earlier in the season but Douglas remains the third option in a passing game that also features Julio Jones and Roddy White. At this point Douglas’ celling remains that of a WR4 or WR5 and isn’t a trustworthy fantasy option. He ranks as our No. 67 overall WR for Week 12.
Week 11: Douglas vs. Panthers
Harry Douglas caught a two-point conversion in the Falcons’ Week 10 win over the Buccaneers but was otherwise held off the stat sheet. His lone catch was impressive, as he snatched the ball away from the defender and held onto it despite crashing to the ground. That said, he remains stuck behind Julio Jones and Roddy White and simply doesn’t see enough targets to be fantasy relevant. Avoid him in Week 11.
Week 10: Douglas vs. Bucs
Harry Douglas caught 3-of-5 targets for 42 yards in the Falcons’ Week 8 loss to the Lions in London. Douglas made what should have been a game-saving catch late in the fourth quarter but Atlanta blew a potential victory in the closing minutes. Douglas was limited in practice this week because of the foot injury he suffered against the Bucs earlier in the season, but he should be good to play on Sunday in Tampa. Consider him a WR4 in PPR formats.
Week 5: Douglas vs. Giants
Harry Douglas didn't dress in the Falcons' Week 4 loss to the Vikings and remains sidelined with a foot injury. After failing to practice on Thursday, Douglas is looking doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants. When healthy he's a WR4 and the third option in Atlanta's pass-happy offense behind Julio Jones and Roddy White. If you're desperate, Devin Hester is a boom-or-bust option for Week 5 but we can't recommend playing him despite some big games in the first four weeks.
Week 4: Douglas vs. Vikings
Harry Douglas caught 2-of-2 targets for 14 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 56-14 win over the Buccaneers before leaving the game early due to a left foot injury. While the injury looked bad at the time, an MRI on Douglas' foot came back negative and he was able to practice in full on Thursday. Roddy White (hamstring) is expected to play this Sunday, making Douglas a WR4 in all formats. He ranks as our No. 55 WR in PPR leagues and is our No. 58 WR in standard leagues.
Douglas vs. Bucs
Harry Douglas caught 4-of-8 passes for just 38 yards in the Falcons' Week 2 loss versus the Bengals. Douglas was more productive in Week 1 against the Saints, but then again so was the entire Atlanta offense. The Falcons are due for a bounce back against the Bucs and if Roddy White (hamstring) is ruled out, Douglas could make a nice handcuff for desperate owners. He would start opposite Julio Jones in the Falcons' pass-first offense and while that hasn't always translated to big production for Douglas, at least he should see plenty of targets. He currently ranks as our No. 75 overall WR for Week 3 but he'll see a significant bump up if White can't play.
Week 2: Douglas vs. Bengals
Harry Douglas caught six of his eight targets for 69 yards in the Falcons' Week 1 win over the Saints. He'll continue to be the main benefactor of Tony Gonzalez's retirement but remains third in line behind Julio Jones and Roddy White for targets. For now, he's worth a roster spot as a WR4/WR5 but don't expect him to be targeted six-plus times every week. He's our No. 69 WR for Week 2 and should remain on your bench/waiver wire.
Week 1: Douglas vs. Saints
Harry Douglas figures to be the main benefactor of Tony Gonzalez's retirement. That's because with Gonzalez gone and no viable receiving option at the tight end position, the Falcons plan to use more three-receiver sets featuring Douglas, Julio Jones and Roddy White. But before you rush to your waiver wire to stash Douglas on your roster, understand that he's never been a reliable fantasy option outside of his 85/1,067/2 season in 2013. And he only posted those numbers because both Jones and White were saddled with serious injuries. Unless Jones or White go down again, Douglas will remain a WR4/5 for fantasy purposes. He's currently listed as our No. 64 WR for Week 1 and should remain on your waiver wire.
Fantasy Upside
Harry Douglas figures to be a benefactor of Tony Gonzalez's retirement, as OC Dirk Koetter will use more three-receiver sets this season. After catching 85 passes for 1,067 yards and two touchdowns, Douglas finished as fantasy's WR32 last season when Julio Jones and Roddy White went down with injuries. If either of them were to suffer injuries again this season, Douglas would once again earn a key role on an offense that will put the ball in the air plenty more in 2014.
Fantasy Downside
Unless lightning strikes twice and both Jones and White were to be hurt, Douglas won't come anywhere close to seeing the same amount of targets that he did a year ago. And despite the Falcons' penchant for passing, the WR3 in Koetter's system doesn't offer the same value as say the WR3 in the Broncos' offense. Last year was an aberration for Douglas.
Bottom Line
Douglas should be viewed more as insurance for White and Jones owners as opposed to a legit WR4 candidate. The only reason he was targeted 133 times last year is because White was limited due to a bad ankle and Jones missed all but five games due to a foot injury. Unless you add him as a late-round flier, avoid Douglas on draft day but view him as a potential waiver wire addition if Jones or White were to get hurt.
