Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Kenny Golladay caught just three balls for 38 yards last week against the Washington Football Team, but he was targeted eight times – second on the team – and seems to be an active part of the offense. The lack of reps with Daniel Jones over the offseason as Golladay tried to get healthy may be a big part of why they’re struggling to connect effectively early in the season. One has to think that will improve as the season progresses.
This week, Golladay faces a very vulnerable Falcons defense that gave up a pair of touchdowns to Mike Evans last week and big numbers to the Eagles passing game in Week 1. If Golladay is going to get on track, this is a good week to do it. We have him conservatively ranked as a low-end WR3 option this week, but he’s worth gambling on in a great matchup.
Week 2 at Washington Football Team
Kenny Golladay caught four balls for 64 yards last week against the Broncos. Those aren’t big numbers for his first game as a Giant, but the game was encouraging for two reasons. First, he was targeted six times, and his ability to work downfield and find the end zone makes six targets viable. Second, he was on the field for 85% of the team’s offensive snaps. That’s great news for a guy who came into the game with iffy health status.
Golladay faces a tough matchup for Week 2. The Washington defense allowed good fantasy numbers to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams last week, but ranked third in aFPA to opposing wide receivers in 2020 and boast one of the most fearsome front-sevens in football. Golladay is risky to bank on, but has WR2 upside, especially with his potential in the red zone. We have him ranked outside starting territory, so weigh the risk accordingly when considering him for your lineup.
Week 1 vs. Denver Broncos
Kenny Golladay led the league in touchdown receptions two years ago before being mostly on the shelf with a hip injury last year. Coming over to the Giants, the hope is he can fix what ails the struggling Daniel Jones.
The Broncos ranked fourth in aFPA to opposing wide receivers last season, so it’s not a great matchup to start the year for Golladay. Also, he’s barely practiced and missed the preseason with injury, making him even riskier. If you can sit him and look elsewhere for Week 1 until we see him healthy, that might be best, as he’s starting the season off questionable to start.
Fantasy Upside
Kenny Golladay had essentially a lost season in Detroit last year, as he was limited to just five games due to a hip injury – and a hamstring early in the season. When Golladay is healthy though, he’s an efficient and dynamic downplay target with excellent size. He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2019 and was coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons prior to missing most of last year. He’ll be the alpha receiver in New York and has a career yards per reception of 16.8.
Fantasy Downside
Golladay is coming off an injury-riddled season, which is always a bit of a red flag, but the biggest downside is at the quarterback position. Golladay goes from spending most of his time with Matthew Stafford to Daniel Jones. When Golladay had to deal with Jeff Driskel for three games in 2019, he tallied just eight receptions, 152 yards and one touchdown during that span. While Daniel Jones isn’t Jeff Driskel and Golladay was definitely better when David Blough took over, Jones is probably closer to Driskel than he is to Stafford.
2021 Bottom Line
Golladay has risk associated with him joining a new team with a downgrade at quarterback, but he should lead the team in targets, has been productive before, and is available in the sixth round as the 26th receiver off the board. If he was being drafted in the third round like he was a year ago, it would be hard to recommend going after him in most leagues due to the risk, but at his ADP, his considerable upside makes him worth the gamble. He should at least be a WR2 option with legit WR1 upside.
Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After missing seven straight games with a hip injury, Kenny Golladay is again hopeful to return on Saturday. Injuries have hampered the Lions' top wideout all season, but if he’s healthy Golladay should be a part of your starting lineup during your playoff run.
Week 15 at Tennessee Titans
After missing six straight games with a hip injury, Kenny Golladay is again hopeful to return on Sunday. Injuries have hampered the Lions' top wideout all season, but if he’s healthy Golladay could be a sneaky start for your playoff push, especially against a poor pass defense.
Week 14 vs. Green Bay Packers
After missing five straight games with a hip injury, Kenny Golladay is again hopeful to return on Sunday. Injuries have hampered the Lions' top wideout all season, including missing the Week 2 battle with the Packers. If he’s healthy Golladay should be a part of your starting lineup.
Week 13 at Chicago Bears
After missing four straight games with a hip injury Kenny Golladay will return on Sunday at Chicago. The offense could use a spark from its best playmaker, as the Lions have lost four of the past five. Golladay missed the Week 1 battle with the Bears.
Week 12 vs. Houston Texans
After missing the past three games with a sore hip, Kenny Golladay hopes to return on Thanksgiving. Be sure to monitor the injury report as Golladay and the Lions aerial attack have a favorable matchup against a suspect Texans’ defense that allows the second-most yards per game in the league.
Week 11 at Carolina Panthers
After missing the past two games with a sore hip, Kenny Golladay hopes to return on Sunday at Carolina. Be sure to monitor the injury report as Golladay and the Lions aerial attack have a favorable matchup against a suspect Panthers pass defense.
