Could all the wear and tear a preeminent wide receiver endures over his career finally be catching up to Megatron?
Thus far, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, 30, has been a bit of a disappointment as a WR1. He ranks just 18th in WR standard fantasy points (93) and tied for 14th in PPR leagues (152). In his last three games he has averaged a measly eight standard fantasy points and 13.3 in PPR leagues. On the season, he has only one 100-yard game and just three touchdowns.
Okay, you get the picture. Johnson is struggling and his fantasy owners are hurting as a result. But it's not as if the volume isn't there.
Since Week 6, Johnson ranks second among WRs in vertical yards (418) and fourth in receptions per route run (41.5), according to ESPN. This means that the Lions are looking Johnson's way quite often down field, they just haven't been able to consistently connect. Fortunately, that should change going forward. As your league's trade deadline looms, consider Johnson a buy-low candidate.
"The Lions face Philadelphia in Week 12, New Orleans in Week 15 and San Francisco in week 16, three defenses that rank 20th or worse in fantasy points allowed per game to opposing wide receivers since Week 6," ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner wrote. "The increase in vertical pass production should allow Johnson to improve his overall numbers in these three favorable matchups, so consider Megatron among the best of the trade options this week."
As Joyner mentioned, Johnson has some very favorable matchups coming soon. The Eagles are allowing an NFL-worst 26.1 fantasy points to opposing WRs this year. The Saints aren't far behind at 23.3 while the 49ers are a bit more respectable (though not by much) at 19.8. None of these teams are equipped to stop a suddenly resurgent Lions team that has won two straight games.
Megatron may not be the same WR1 he was in his prime, but he can still be a roster booster for a solid playoff push.
