Fantasy receivers can be hard to come by, especially when your number one guy goes out like Dez Bryant for the Cowboys. So who can you plug in or pick up off the waiver wire for this upcoming week? Three players that are likely to step up this week are the Cowboys' Cole Beasley, the Giants' Rueben Randle and the Packers' James Jones.
Cole Beasley: He's in his fourth season in the league and is proving to be a solid slot receiver. Bryant will be out for at least four weeks following a foot surgery, and Beasley is available in most leagues. Beasley is a great add in leagues that are point-per-receptions, as his points can add up quickly with short and intermediate routes. The Cowboys are playing the Eagles this week, and Philadelphia gave up 298 passing yards to Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense. Beasley is a multi-tool player who can be used on screens or reverses and can even get behind the defense for the long ball. He may not be the best target in the red zone at 5-foot-8, but his quickness and footwork can get him open. If you do not like who you have to play this weekend, look for Beasley to have a solid week as quarterback Tony Romo will likely get the ball his way.
Rueben Randle: He had a poor game against the Cowboys on Sunday night, but he was targeted five times by quarterback Eli Manning. Victor Cruz is likely out this week, and if he doesn't play, then Randle should have a big game against the Falcons. Randle had three touchdowns in 2014 but is likely to pull in more this season as he is one of the Giants' bigger receivers. The Falcons gave up 336 passing yards to Sam Bradford and the Eagles last week, and look for Manning to do the same. The Giants will likely be focused on the game ahead of them as they wish to forget the Dallas debacle as quickly as possible. Randle is a good pickup for a flex spot or if you're struggling to find someone to plug in. Randle may not be available on the wire, but it all depends on the depth of your league.
James Jones: He's likely picked up in most leagues, but if he isn't in yours then grab him quickly. Jones rejoined the Packers after getting cut by the Giants. In his first start back he had four catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns. Jones' success will likely continue as he, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams are the top targets for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have a rematch of the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks. While the Seahawks defense has been one to avoid, without Kam Chancellor it seems to have a vulnerability. Nick Foles threw for 297 yards against the Seahawks in a win last week, and he is not the reigning 2015 NFL MVP as Rodgers is. Expect Jones to have a big week, and he will likely be a good starter for the rest of your season depending on your league's depth.
