Week 4 at Chicago
As the Lions were trying to rally at Green Bay last Sunday, Eric Ebron was targeted eight times, leading to five receptions for 69 yards. On the young season he has been thrown to 20 times, resulting in 14 grabs. Ebron should be considered a low-end TE1 play at Chicago on Sunday.
Week 3 at Green Bay
In the loss to the Titans last week, Eric Ebron officially caught four passes for 53 yards, including an impressive one-handed, behind the back grab. However, he should have been credited with a TD, but was called for a phantom offensive pass interference penalty in the end zone before making a one-yard snag. Ebron is off to a strong start in ’16 and should continue to get looks. Go ahead and keep starting the big TE.
Week 2 vs. Tennessee
Despite being listed as questionable heading in to last week’s game against the Colts, Eric Ebron played and was effective. He caught five passes for 46 yards, including a six-yard touchdown. The Lions put the ball in the air more often than expected in the win and will likely show more of a balanced approach at home on Sunday. Ebron makes for a low TE1 play.
Week 1 at Indianapolis
Despite missing the past three weeks with an ankle injury, Eric Ebron is anxious to get back on the field. However, he remains questionable heading in to the opener and will likely be limited even if he’s able to play. Look elsewhere for your starting TE.
Fantasy Upside
After a disappointing rookie season in which he finished with just 25 receptions, Eric Ebron bounced back last season to catch 47 passes for 537 yards and five TDs. In ’15, he eclipsed 50 yards four times and caught at least four balls eight times.
Fantasy Downside
When the Lions made the change to OC Jim Bob Cooter, Eric’s numbers plummeted. He averaged 13.0 FP (PPR) through the first seven weeks and 7.3 FP thereafter. He’s had a case of the drops during his first two pro seasons and will have to have better hands to continue to gain Matthew Stafford’s trust.
Bottom Line
With Calvin Johnson no longer a part of the NFL, Ebron has a good opportunity to become Stafford’s favorite red zone target. A big frame at 6’4” and 255 pounds, he has the makeup to create mismatches and be that guy. We have him at the No. 15 TE before the season begins, but Eric has a lot of potential.
Week 17 at Chicago
In the past couple weeks, Eric Ebron has reemerged as a bigger part of the Lions offense. Against the 49ers last Sunday, he caught four passes for 49 yards, marking his first time since Weeks 1-3 that he’s recorded at least four grabs in back-to-back outings. Due to injury, Ebron missed the previous meeting against Chicago in Week 6, but is a low TE1 play in the rematch.
Week 16 vs. San Francisco
In the win over the Saints last Monday, Eric Ebron finished with four grabs for a team-high 79 yards, his highest total since Week 5. Eric has registered seven grabs the past two games and remains a good red zone target. San Francisco is No. 26 against the pass, so Ebron should be considered a low TE1 play.
Week 15 at New Orleans
In the loss to the Rams last Sunday, Eric Ebron received five looks from Matthew Stafford and finished with three receptions for 27 yards. He has been held to less than 30 yards in six straight games and has scored only once since Week 7. Ebron does have a nice matchup on Monday in New Orleans against the No. 30 defense versus the pass, but he still makes for a shaky fantasy playoff start.
Week 14 at St. Louis
Against the Packers last Thursday, Eric Ebron caught only two passes, but one of them was a three-yard touchdown after being left uncovered. In the past three contests, Eric has been targeted just seven times, resulting in only four receptions. With Golden Tate becoming a bigger part of the Lions passing attack over the past few weeks, Ebron has been, for the most part, forgotten. The Rams defense has been decent, so you’re probably better off starting another TE this week.
Week 13 vs. Green Bay
Matthew Stafford targeted Eric Ebron three times on Thanksgiving, leading to two grabs for 28 yards. Drops have been a concern and the likely reason he is not seeing many looks the past couple weeks. Ebron caught four passes for 28 yards at Green Bay last month and, with the recent trend, probably shouldn’t be in your starting lineup on Thursday night.
