Week 9 at New York Jets
With the addition of WR Kelvin Benjamin via trade, Jordan Matthews will settle into a role as the Bills' No. 2 receiver, where he is probably better suited. From a fantasy standpoint, his stock drops and that's not saying much considering the numbers he had been putting up—averaging just over 3 targets and less than 3 receptions per game.
If you have Matthews on your roster, he definitely should not be in your lineup, and finding a better option on the waiver wire is something you should consider.
Week 8 vs. Oakland Raiders
It was a surprise Jordan Matthews return last week as he had been out with a thumb injury. But the results weren't anything special—targeted 3 times (2 receptions for 10 yards). Even before the injury, Matthews' season-highs were 5 targets and 3 receptions.
Matthews has a decent matchup against the Raiders, who are ranked 23rd in aFPA to wide receivers. But the numbers have just not been there yet. Keep Matthews on the bench for Week 8. When he actually has a relevant game, we will start to consider him as a viable option.
Week 4 at Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Matthews now has 8 receptions on 11 targets. He actually has 152 receiving yards, which puts him at an impressive 19 yards per catch. But he just isn't getting the ball much in a run-dominated offense.
Matthews faces a Falcons offense that is pretty good—ranked seventh in aFPA to wide receivers. His history, his output as a Bill, and the matchup will limit his numbers for Week 4. Keep Matthews on the bench.
Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
Six targets and 5 catches means if you are throwing the ball to Jordan Matthews, you are getting some offense. However, last week he only had 30 receiving yards and still has zero touchdowns on the season.
The Broncos are first in aFPA to wide receivers, which means it could be a long day for Matthews and the Buffalo receivers. Keep Matthews on the bench for Week 3.
Week 2 at Carolina Panthers
Jordan Matthews' debut as a Buffalo Bill was sort of like he was still a Philadelphia Eagle. He averaged over 30 yards per catch but was only targeted 3 times, making 2 receptions. People want Matthews to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but his career numbers have not been good enough for that to happen.
It won't get any easier this Sunday against a Carolina pass defense that is one of the better ones in the league. It would be nice to see more targets for Matthews, but don't be surprised if this is the norm considering Buffalo wants to be primarily a running team. Keep Matthews on your bench for Week 2.
Week 1 vs. New York Jets
The Bills shipped out Sammy Watkins and brought in Jordan Matthews to fill the void. The problem is Matthews has not shown the ability Watkins did when he was healthy. So what are the expectations for Matthews?
First, they need him to get healthy. He has missed practice time with a chest injury, although he is expected to play Sunday. He then has to prove he can be more effective than he was in Philadelphia. WIth the lack of reps in practice and his track record, Matthews is not worth a start for Week 1, even against a poor Jets pass defense.
Fantasy Upside
Jordan Matthews is now the No. 1 receiver in Buffalo. With the shocking trade of Sammy Watkins, the Bills are putting their faith in Matthews, who put up solid numbers in Philadelphia. He never caught fewer than 67 passes or 800 yards in any of his three seasons. Matthews was going to become the No. 2 receiver in Philly, but now he has a chance to show he can be the top option in Buffalo.
Fantasy Downside
Although Matthews' numbers have been okay, many think he has been a disappointment because he was drafted to be the No. 1 receiver in Philly and hasn't lived up to that status. His numbers last season were the worst of his three-year career. His touchdown total dropped from 8 to 3, and his yards-per-catch average of 11.0 and 804 receiving yards were both career-lows. Plus Matthews has a history of dropping passes.
2017 Bottom Line
Matthews will be the No. 1 receiver in Buffalo, which means he should continue to see 100+ targets. But let's face it, the system in Philadelphia was pretty good for receivers—better than Buffalo. Matthews is likely to put up some similar career numbers (or lower) as a Bill but no better than his Eagles stats. You are drafting Matthews as nothing more than depth for your roster. He is the 50th ranked receiver, making him a late-round draft selection.
Week 17 vs. Dallas
Jordan Matthews caught just two balls for 12 yards on six targets last week. Matthews was targeted 11 times the week before, but only finished with six catches for 27 yards, so Matthews has been a non-factor the last couple of weeks.
This week, Matthews gets the Cowboys, who are 21st in allowing fantasy points to WRs. Matthews has played well against the Cowboys in the past, including an 11-65-1 (14) performance back in Week 8. In his last three games against Dallas, Matthew has 26 total catches for a total of 278 yards and a TD in each of the three games. He's averaged over 11 targets in each of those contests as well.
Week 16 vs. New York Giants
Jordan Matthews caught six balls for just 27 yards last week. He was targeted 11 times, but it was a struggle for the passing game for much of the day in a tough matchup.
It doesn't get much easier for Matthews in a Thursday night game with the Giants (who are ninth in allowing fantasy points to WRs), but Matthews falls all the way to 39th on our WR list this week. The good news is Matthews has played pretty well against the Giants, and over his last four games is averaging a line of 6.75-76.5-0.75 (that includes a 6-88-0 line from earlier this season). We have Matthews as a WR4 play this week, and he appears to be a risky start if QB Carson Wentz continues to struggle like he did last week.
Week 15 at Baltimore
Jordan Matthews caught eight balls for 79 yards on 10 targets last week after missing Week 13. Matthews continues to be the top target for QB Carson Wentz, at least at the WR position.
He gets a nice matchup this week against the Ravens, who are 27th in allowing fantasy points to WRs. There are a couple of big issues, however, and as a result, Matthews is just 36th on our WR list (making him a low-end WR3). The Eagles line is likely using a fourth-string right tackle this week, so protecting Wentz and keeping him upright could be an issue. The Birds may also be without RB Darren Sproles, who is key in pass protecting. Start Matthews with caution this week.
