Week 4 at Dallas Cowboys
Robert Woods caught 6-of-7 targets for 108 yards in the Rams’ Week 3 win over the 49ers. Despite his success last week, we would avoid Woods in Week 4. Sean McVay’s offense will continue to revolve around running back Todd Gurley, and the Rams will continue to get Sammy Watkins more involved moving forward. Thus, volume could be a weekly issue for Woods, who ranks as our WR52 for Week 4.
Week 11 at Cincinnati
Robert Woods is the No. 1 Buffalo wide receiver and he acted like it against Seattle in the last game before the bye week. He had a season-high 10 catches for 162 yards and was very dangerous all over the field.
Woods is still the main man for QB Tyrod Taylor, but this week's opponent (Cincinnati) is eighth in aFPA to wide receivers. Despite the big game two weeks ago, Woods has been a fantasy disappointment no matter what role he has played. We want to see more of what we saw in the Seattle game before we recommend him to be in your starting lineup. Sit him for Week 11 unless you are desperate.
Week 9 at Seattle
After missing the Miami game two weeks ago, Woods was back in the lineup and had four receptions for 50 yards against the Patriots. Woods is considered the No. 1 receiver at this point, but his numbers should be very similar each week to what he did last week.
Woods will face a Seahawks defense that is third in aFPA to wide receivers. It's not a great matchup for Buffalo, so keep Woods on the bench for Week 9.
Week 7 at Miami
Robert Woods did score his first touchdown of the season last week, but his overall receiving numbers remain low. The Bills continue to run a conservative offense with a run-first philosophy. Woods was the most targeted Buffalo wide receiver last week with six, and that number is a big red flag.
Even though Woods is the No. 1 receiver for the Bills, his numbers will likely remain limited. Keep Woods on the bench for Week 7.
Week 6 vs San Francisco
With Sammy Watkins out, Robert Woods is the Bills "No. 1" wide receiver, but don't expect that to reflect his numbers. Woods was only targeted six times and caught two passes for 26 yards versus the Rams.
Woods has never really stepped up his game, so the expectations are probably low at this point. Considering the Bills offense and Woods history, he should not be starting in any fantasy lineup for Week 6.
Week 5 at Los Angeles
Robert Woods slid into the No. 1 receiving spot for Buffalo with WR Sammy Watkins going on IR. Woods responded last week with a season-high 10 targets that produced seven receptions for 89 yards. Woods will have plenty of opportunities going forward, as he should be on the field in at least 90% of the snaps.
He has a decent matchup with the Rams in Week 5, as LA is ranked 20th aFPA to wide receivers. However, Woods has never really shown the ability to become a main target in the Buffalo offense. Even with opportunities, we don't expect much from him. Keep him on the bench for Week 5
Fantasy Upside
It's hard to get a read on Robert Woods, but we do know he is going to be on the field as the No. 2 receiver for Buffalo. He played 83% of the snaps and that's with missing two games. With Sammy Watkins getting most of the attention in the passing game, that leaves opportunities for Woods. The Bills are hoping they can more production out of him so look for him to be more involved in game plans.
Fantasy Downside
Productivity for Woods has been somewhat of an issue. Despite the playing time, his numbers have went down last season. He only averaged 11.7 yards per catch which shows his limitations in the vertical game and he isn't a very physical player either.
2016 Bottom Line
If the Bills were more of a passing team, there could be some optimism that Woods will have better fantasy numbers. But that's not likely to happen and even with Percy Harvin and Chris Hogan gone, Woods' numbers will be stagnant. He is fantasy depth at this point who might be worth a late pick in deep leagues. He rarely will be used unless it is a bye week or injuries force you to use him.
Week 10 at New York Jets
We knew Robert Woods' production would be lower just because Sammy Watkins was back in the lineup, but last week was bad. He only was targeted once and had zero catches, but we are not putting blame on Woods. The Bills ran wild and only threw the ball 12 times, so Woods just wasn't a factor this week.
We don't expect that to change as long as Watkins is on the field, and even though Woods should see some more balls his way, it won't be enough to warrant a fantasy start Thursday night. Sit Woods in all leagues and formats.
Week 9 vs Dolphins
Robert Woods finally came alive last game with both Percy Harvin and Sammy Watkins out with injuries. He was targeted 13 times and had eight receptions, both season-highs. He also scored his second touchdown of the season. With Watkins back this week, Woods will slide back into the No. 2 role, which should bring down his fantasy value for Week 9. Keep Woods on the bench in all leagues and formats.
Week 7 vs Jacksonville
With Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin out, Robert Woods takes over as the No. 1 wide receiver in Buffalo. Last week, he was limited to two targets and one catch for the Bills. Those numbers should rise because Woods did play 90 percent of the snaps last week.
The Bills face the Jaguars in London and E.J. Manuel will be the quarterback again. Woods has a tough matchup against Jacksonville as they are 9th in aFPA to wide receivers. Even though Woods will be on the field for most of the game, we saw that last week and his production was limited. It's just too hard to trust Manuel. Keep Woods on the bench for Week 7.
