Week 2: Britt vs. Bucs
After turning heads in training camp and preseason, Kenny Britt caught zero passes and was targeted just three times in the Rams' 34-6 loss to the Vikings. Due to shaky quarterback play and Brian Quick's emergence in the passing game, Britt's sleeper status in fantasy has taken a massive hit. QB Austin Davis is likely to make his first NFL start on Sunday, which spells trouble for the Rams' receivers this week. If you took Britt as a late-round flier, he's worth stashing for the time being. But if he continues to put together dud performances like he did last week, it'll be safe to drop him. He's our No. 70 WR for Week 2.
Week 1: Britt vs. Vikings
Kenny Britt had an outstanding camp and flashed in the preseason as well. The injury to Sam Bradford robbed Britt of his sleeper potential but he's still worth a roster stash as a WR4/5. The Rams remain a run-first team but Britt proved to the coaching staff in August that he can be a viable No. 1 when the team does put the ball in the air. He ranks as our No. 49 WR for Week 1 so leave him on your bench for this week. But monitor his targets over the first few weeks because he could become a WR3 down the road.
Fantasy Upside
Kenny Britt has had a fantastic camp, catching everything thrown his way, winning contested passes down the field and providing leadership to the other young receivers on the Rams' roster. He also caught 2-of-2 targets for 68 yards in the team's third preseason game, which included high-pointing a 36-yard pass between multiple defenders for a first down. He's emerged as the Rams' No. 1 receiver and if he can stay healthy, there's reason to believe that he'll lead the team in targets, receptions and touchdowns. He's also playing on a one-year contract, so he should be plenty motivated to earn a long-term deal in the offseason.
Fantasy Downside
The highest Britt has ever finished in fantasy is WR22 in 2010. Since then, he's dealt with injuries and off-field issues that have derailed a once promising career. While he's looked good in camp and preseason, he's teased fantasy owners before with his potential. Now in St. Louis, he's also playing for a run-first offense that will likely spread the wealth in the passing game. (The Rams didn't trade up to the No. 8 overall pick last year to nab Tavon Austin and not use him.)
Bottom Line
Britt is absolutely worth a late-round flier in both standard and mixed leagues. The concern in the offseason was that the Rams signed damaged goods but he looks completely healthy and has been far and away the team's best receiver. He has also shown a level or leadership and maturity, which is big considering his off-field history. Given the Rams' run-first approach, Britt's projected stat line is 61/790/4. His stock did take somewhat of a hit with Sam Bradford suffering a season-ending knee injury, but he remains the No. 1 target in the passing game. If he can stay healthy, Britt could easily exceed the aforementioned numbers and thus has upside as a WR3/WR4.
