The Washington Redskins signed wide receiver DeSean Jackson to a three-year contract last offseason in the hopes that he would become the team's No. 1 target in the passing game. Though his big play ability was on display at times last year, he's neither been healthy nor consistent enough for fantasy football owners to trust him.
Jackson suffered a hamstring injury on the very first series of the season this year and sat out the following six games. Those that stashed him on their benches were surely hoping he'd return to his home run ways when he finally saw the field again. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened.
"DeSean Jackson has been back for two games, but a look at the team's personnel usage suggest Jamison Crowder has emerged as Washington's No. 1 receiver," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "Crowder has paced the unit in snaps (97), routes (63) and targets (13) during the two games. Since taking on a significant offensive role in Week 3, Crowder sits 35th among wide receivers in PPR fantasy points despite scoring only one touchdown. He has caught 40 of 51 targets for 395 yards during that span. One of the league's sneakiest breakout players of 2015 will continue to be limited by Washington's low-scoring offense, but he's a must-own in PPR leagues and in dynasty."
Crowder ranks second in the NFL among rookies in receptions (42) and third in receiving yards (402). Though he isn't a big play threat like Oakland's Amari Cooper or Minnesota's Stefon Diggs, he is a solid option in the slot that uses his quickness to consistently get separation.
Given the volume of targets he sees, Crowder is a decent flex option replacement in PPR leagues if your starter is on a bye. But don't expect any monster games from the rookie. Though he caught at least four passes in each of the last seven games, he has yet to top 87 receiving yards.
Jackson, meanwhile, still has the higher ceiling of the two (obviously). But in the two games he's been back he's caught just five passes for 59 yards. Nothing to write home about. He'll be a feast-or-famine play the rest of the season.
