Week 3 at Seattle Seahawks
The Cowboys offense has been sluggish and everyone is looking for a receiver to step up. Cole Beasley did so in Week 1, but only had two catches in Week 2. There probably won't be much consistency week to week. Beasley is the most-targeted Cowboys receiver so far, but that doesn't make him a fantasy option. He is the highest-rated Cowboys receiver this week but should not be starting on your fantasy roster.
Week 2 vs. New York Giants
The Cowboys' receiving group is looking for people to stand up and be productive. For Week 1, the best receiver was Cole Beasley. The veteran caught seven passes for 73 yards in the loss to Carolina and was also the most-targeted receiver (8). But will those numbers be consistent every week? Hard to say after one game.
Beasley will face an average Giants pass defense so there will be some opportunities in the Dallas passing game. Overall, the Cowboys must get better and that will help Beasley's fantasy status. But for now, keep Beasley on the bench and watch how Dallas' receiver situation evolves.
Fantasy Upside
Cole Beasley worked his way into the receiver rotation and even started six games last season. He rewarded the Cowboys with a career-year. The veteran set career-highs in receptions (75), receiving yards (833), and touchdowns (5). Although he never had big games numbers-wise, Beasley was a model of consistency as he caught at least four passes in 13 of 16 games.
Fantasy Downside
Beasley isn't going to win your weekly matchup for you. His numbers are partially deflated because the Cowboys love to run the ball and are good at it. But even though he is the No. 2 receiver on the depth chart, he doesn't play like at WR2.
2017 Bottom Line
Beasley is actually a good fit for the Cowboys opposite Dez Bryant, but from a fantasy standpoint, he is depth. His ADP is 141 which puts him as a selection 12th to 15th round. He did put up WR3 numbers in 7 of the 16 games which means he can be a good sub for an injured player or bye week.
Week 14 at New York Giants
Although Cole Beasley has settled in as the Cowboys No. 2 receiver, the issue remains the same for him: targets. He is only getting targeted an average of six times per game over the past eight games. The limited targets definitely influence his fantasy numbers and ranking. The good news is he was a targeted a season-high 12 times in the opener against New York. The Giants are decent against wide receivers (ninth in aFPA), so Beasley shouldn't do anything that he has been doing this season. Keep him on the bench Sunday night for Week 14.
Week 12 vs Washington
Cole Beasley's numbers continue to be consistent as he caught five passes last week for 59 yards and touchdown. When Beasley gets in the end zone, it makes him a very good play because we know he is going to get enough targets to be effective.
Washington is 4th in aFPA to wide receivers, so it is a tough matchup, so this might not be the best day to start Beasley. Keep him on the bench Thanksgiving day unless you are in a PPR league. Then he can play as a flex or WR3.
Week 12 vs Baltimore
Although Cole Beasley had a team-high nine targets last week against Pittsburgh, his fantasy numbers were average with five catches for 33 yards. Beasley is a nice secondary receiver for the Cowboys, but Elliot and Bryant are going to get a ton of touches (which limits what Beasley can do).
For Week 11, keep Beasley on the bench, as there is no expectation for the Cowboys to change what they are doing (even if the targets remain high for Beasley).
Week 10 at Pittsburgh
Cole Beasley might be the most predictable wide receiver in fantasy football. He has averaged five receptions and 63 yards per game. When you look at his game-by-game numbers, he is always around those numbers. So that's what you can expect.
It's a touch matchup this week against the Steelers who are 5th in aFPA to wide receivers. Since we will assume Beasley's numbers will be the same again, keep him on the bench for Week 10.
Week 9 at Cleveland
Beasley's numbers last week were a basically a reflection of his whole season. He caught four passes for 53 yards, while being targeted seven times. That's slightly below his season average, but you get the point. He hasn't had any big games. He hasn't been shut down.
The problem is those averages are not great fantasy numbers. Although he is the Cowboys No. 2 receiver and they play an awful Cleveland pass defense this week, he has to improve those numbers to get time in a fantasy starting lineup. Keep Beasley on the bench for Week 9.
Week 8 vs Philadelphia
With WR Dez Bryant expected to return, Cole Beasley goes back to his role as a secondary receiver (which fits him better on the NFL level). He fared well when Bryant was out, catching 13 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
With a tough matchup against the Eagles (who are third in aFPA to wide receivers), Beasley is not a good fantasy play. His targets will be limited, and the Cowboys offense will focus on other players. Sit Beasley for Week 8.
Week 6 at Green Bay
With Dez Bryant out, the Cowboys have shared the wealth in the passing game. Cole Beasley has had only four targets each of the last two games. The other wide receivers have gotten the same attention from QB Dak Prescott.
Beasley has a great matchup for Week 6. The Packers have been very good against the run but rank 29th in aFPA so expect the Cowboys to try to make more plays in the passing game than usual. However, because there is clearly no dominant receiver, Beasley's value remains low. Keep him on the bench for Week 6.
