Week 3 vs. Green Bay Packers
Here are the target totals for Redskins pass-catchers this season: RB Chris Thompson-21, TE Jordan Reed-13, Paul Richardson-12, Josh Doctson-10, Jamison Crowder-8, RB Adrian Peterson-6, TE Vernon Davis-2. Reed is sixth among TEs in targets this year. He is a weekly threat to find the end zone. When he's healthy, you start him. He's healthy in Week 3. And the Packers just allowed nine receptions for 91 yards to Vikings TEs.
Week 2 vs. Indianapolis Colts
In Las Vegas this week, only the Steelers, Saints and Rams have a higher implied team total than the Redskins, illustrating confidence in this offense against a poor Colts defense (25th in aFPA to TEs last year). The Colts allowed two receiving touchdowns last week. A healthy Jordan Reed makes it hard to ever sit him. Last week was a great example, as he caught four of his five targets and lunged to the pylon for a score. Only 13 of Alex Smith's 29 passes went to receivers last week, and given his history with Travis Kelce, he should continue to look for Reed. Every Washington receiver averaged less than six targets per game in weeks Jordan Reed played a full game last year. The ball is coming 86's way. He's a top-five TE when healthy. Reed is healthy in Week 2.
Week 1 at Arizona Cardinals
Alex Smith knows how to target a talented tight end. Ask Travis Kelce. And when Jordan Reed is healthy, you play him. It's that simple. He's posted elite tight end fantasy numbers in the past and is not on the injury report this week. Consider him a top-five option this week, as Washington likely looks to stay away from shutdown corner Patrick Peterson.
Fantasy Upside
When Jordan Reed is on the field, he dominates. In the last three seasons, working backwards, this is where he's ranked in PPR leagues among TEs in fantasy points per game: eighth, first, and first.
Fantasy Downside
Reed is as injury-prone as it gets. He has not played 16 games in a season, with several injuries last year and toe surgery in the offseason. Last season, he missed a whopping 10 games.
2018 Bottom Line
Jordan Reed is the biggest high-risk/high-reward TE pick you can make. The good news is he has TE1 overall upside and a handcuff in Vernon Davis who costs nothing. Pairing the two in best-ball leagues and snagging Davis off waivers if Reed gets hurt is a sharp strategy.
Week 14 at Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Reed is still out for Week 14. Make sure you are not starting him in the fantasy playoffs.
Week 11 at New Orleans Saints
Jordan Reed (hamstring) suffered a setback last week. It does not look promising that he will play Sunday. Prepare accordingly with other TE options.
Week 10 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Reed is moving in the wrong direction on the injury report this week, practicing on a limited basis early in the week then not at all Friday. Prepare for him to be out in Week 10 or extremely limited.
Week 8 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Welcome back, Jordan Reed. Two touchdowns last week, showing off his weekly ceiling. This week against the Cowboys, he'll once again be one of Kirk Cousins' primary targets in a game with the highest over/under in Vegas for Week 8. The Cowboys are just about average in our aFPA vs. TE rankings, too. Therefore, start Reed with confidence.
Week 7 at Philadelphia Eagles
Unless you have a better option at TE in our Week 7 rankings, you are kind of forced to keep playing Jordan Reed. He has the touchdown potential every week, but he's a ticking time bomb to get hurt again. The Eagles are also top-10 in our aFPA vs. TE rankings. Close your eyes and hope for the best.
Week 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Coming off the bye, Jay Gruden said Reed is "looking great...no problems whatsoever"; however, Reed himself said he's not yet 100%. Considering the wasteland that is the tight end position in fantasy, you're starting Reed if he's healthy. His production last game was due to him playing limited snaps, but the bye week should get him back to his normal workload.
