Acpevans' BLE 4 Blog: Brian Hartline: Dolphins' WR Is Worth a Flex Spot in Deeper Leagues in Week 3

2012年9月20日木曜日

Brian Hartline: Dolphins' WR Is Worth a Flex Spot in Deeper Leagues in Week 3

You probably think the only player on the Miami Dolphins worth owning on your fantasy team is Reggie Bush. Before the season began, I would have agreed with you.

But now, you need to seriously consider adding Brian Hartline and utilizing him at your flex.

The wide receiver has 12 receptions for 161 yards in the first two weeks, but more importantly, he's seen a team-high 20 targets. The next closest player on the Dolphins in that regard is Davonne Bess, who has seen 13 targets on the year.

Hartline had a huge Week 2 against the Oakland Raiders, catching nine passes for 111 yards. And he might just have an even bigger game against the New York Jets depending on whether he finds himself on a certain island or not.

From James Walker of ESPN:

#Jets TE Dustin Keller (hamstring) did not practice today. CB Darrelle Revis (concussion) was limited.
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerESPN) September 19, 2012

If Revis doesn't play, Hartline's value takes a nice bump. If he does, of course, you may want to avoid him altogether, unless you find yourself thin at wide receiver.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Dearest Tim, Hartline's never finished a season with more than 615 yards, and his season-high in touchdowns is a measly four. Aren't there receivers on the waiver wire with more upside?

I hear you, dearest reader. But the truth is, the amount of targets a receiver, um, receives often dictates his upside. And as it stands, Hartline is currently tied for ninth among wide receivers in targets, sitting on the same number as Brandon Marshall and Vincent Jackson. Not bad company, right?

Now, I know what else you're thinking. Hartline sounds like a cheap rip off of Loveline.

Wait, no, not that thought, the other one. Oh, my bad. Ryan Tannehill is his quarterback. You want me to trust a guy catching passes from Tannehill?

Admittedly, this one concerns me as well. But you aren't adding Hartline and hoping he suddenly becomes a fantasy MVP, you're adding him as an occasional flex play that gives you 8-12 points. Besides, for those of you who drafted Larry Fitzgerald or Percy Harvin, you know that fantasy receivers often produce despite poor quarterback play.

So go snatch up Hartline if he's still available in your league and if Revis doesn't play on Sunday, add him to your flex spot without reservation.

Finally, Reggie Bush has some company when it comes to fantasy football relevance on the Dolphins.

Hit me up on Twitter—my Tweets are still in the Heisman race.