Week 3 at New York Jets
The Dolphins have a top-10 implied team total this week as they play the lowly Jets on the road. The Jets have allowed 4 touchdowns in two weeks to fantasy wideouts, and Parker's average depth of target was 15 yards downfield in Miami's season opener. If not now for Parker, then when? Get him in your Week 3 lineups as a viable WR2 option with upside.
Week 2 at Los Angeles Chargers
Parker has some upside with Jay Cutler likely to feed him more than Ryan Tannehill did, as Cutler is more likely to throw downfield. Consider Parker a high-upside FLEX option against a Chargers defense that was pretty solid in its season opener against Demaryius Thoms and Emmanuel Sanders (top-10 in our aFPA vs. PPR WRs). Parker put up 5 receptions for 103 yards against the Chargers last season.
Week 1 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This game has been postponed due to Hurricane Irma and will now be played Week 11. Make sure you do not have any Dolphins or Bucs in your Week 1 fantasy lineups.
Fantasy Upside
When not on the injury report last year, Parker averaged 11 PPR fantasy points per game—WR3 numbers. He also continues to wow in training camp. The Dolphins have indicated a contract extension is not forthcoming for Jarvis Landry either, meaning more targets could come Parker's way, especially in the red zone.
Fantasy Downside
The Dolphins re-signed Kenny Stills and are relying on the run more than the pass with Jay Ajayi at running back. Miami was the fourth-most run heavy team in the league last year. Parker's 5.9 targets per game were 77th in the NFL. Parker must do more with less target volume to be relevant.
2017 Bottom Line
An argument could be made for Parker in best-ball leagues, where you don't have to set a lineup. However, in redraft leagues, it's hard to spend the draft capital on a receiver who only saw 5.9 targets per game and is on a team that added another pass-catcher to last year's group (tight end Julius Thomas). Part of the lack of targets in the Miami offense could be attributed to being last in the NFL in plays. If that regresses closer to the league average, there could be more opportunities for Parker in his third year. At his late-ninth/early-10th round ADP, Parker could be worth a flier, but we like a couple of other receivers better at that point in the draft in our 4for4 rankings who should see more volume.
Wild Card Round at Pittsburgh
Parker has seven targets in back-to-back games, but he has been inconsistent with Matt Moore at quarterback, producing only one game with more than 50 yards and/or a touchdown. Unless you are going for an ultra-contrarian DFS play this week, he's not worth starting.
Week 17 vs. New England
The Dolphins have already locked up a playoff spot, but they said they are playing to win Week 17 against the Patriots. Parker has posted back-to-back 100-yard efforts against the Patriots. He also showed his breakaway speed on a long TD last week; however, his target share is low in the offense with Matt Moore at quarterback. He's a contrarian play in Week 17, hoping to get lucky.
Week 16 at Buffalo
Parker has been missing in action for a month now, failing to catch more than three passes in each of his past four games. He also only managed 20 yards Week 7 against Buffalo. Don't start him Week 16.
Week 15 at New York Jets
Parker was not on the injury report this week, which is a good sign. Matt Moore starting at quarterback is not great news for Parker's fantasy hopes Saturday against the Jets. He's seen dwindling targets in each of the past four weeks, capped by just three last week. Parker is too risky to use in the fantasy playoffs.
Week 14 vs. Arizona
Parker showed some grit last week, as a surprise activation came after dealing with a back injury all week, and he scored a touchdown. He actually would've scored twice if not for one of the highlight reel interceptions of the season by Ladarius Webb of the Ravens. This week, however, Parker could draw Cardinals shutdown corner Patrick Peterson and is too risky to start in the fantasy postseason. He's outside our top-35 WRs in Week 14.
Week 13 at Baltimore
DeVante Parker did not practice Wednesday or Thursday with a back injury, and he looks doubtful for this week. If he somehow plays, it will be hard to trust his snap count to produce fantasy production. Given his health, it's probably best to keep Parker out of your lineups Week 13.
