Danny Amendola: What Rams WR's Explosion Means for Fantasy Owners

Danny Amendola showed that he is your prototypical slot receiver with his 12-catch, 133-yard explosion in the first half of the St. Louis Rams' game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

106.7 THE FAN reporter Grant Paulsen put Amendola's first-half performance in perspective:

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Danny Amendola's 12 catches tie the #NFL record for the most first-half receptions. (Reggie Wayne in 2006).

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 16, 2012"

Amendola also caught a one-yard score with 2:03 remaining in the first half, but that's not where his real value lies for fantasy football owners. If he's available on your league's waiver wire, you want to pay attention to that catch total.

According to ESPN.com, the Rams' version of Wes Welker is owned in 16.4 percent of standard-scoring leagues. Not only is that a low number, but he's actually on the downswing according to their rankings. NFL.com reporter Michael Fabiano is wondering the same thing that I am: How is that possible?

Playing slot receiver is all about feel. Not only does Amendola have to understand where the soft spots are, but he has to have a rapport with his quarterback Sam Bradford.

Bradford only played in 10 games last season, so he's just now getting back into the flow of things. As he gets more comfortable, Amendola's production will only increase.

The Rams don't have a dangerous vertical threat, and they run a West Coast offense. That makes Amendola the most viable target in the Rams' system, at least until rookie Brian Quick matures.

He won't stretch the field on the outside, but he will be an option in the red zone. The St. Louis offensive line is nothing to write home about, and Bradford will be looking for his safety valve more times than not. If Amendola sits in the end zone, like he did in the first half on Sunday, Bradford will find him.

The 26-year-old out of Texas Tech is still learning his position, but he has all the requisite skills to work underneath. He's small, has good hands and is elusive. He's not afraid to catch tough passes over the middle, and he understands how to get open.

Don't expect Amendola to catch Calvin Johnson-like touchdown totals, but he's definitely a 100-catch candidate. If you're in a PPR league, adding Amendola would be a wise decision.