Robert Meachem: Projecting Fantasy Value of Chargers' Speedster

After the San Diego Chargers lost to the New Orleans Saints 31-24 Sunday night, the fantasy buzz that follows the nationally televised game was in full effect.

The biggest name that waiver-wire hunters have on their radar now is Chargers wide receiver and former Saints star Robert Meachem. The San Diego wideout had three catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

For those fantasy owners getting too excited, take the time to realize that all that glitters is not gold.

While there is no doubt the veteran had a huge game Sunday night, the Saints’ pass defense is ranked 24th in the NFL and has been beaten by everyone. Add in Meachem’s insider information, and you have a fantasy risk not worth taking.

Unless you are devastated by injuries, look elsewhere for assistance.

Schedule

The San Diego Chargers are one of the more talented teams in the AFC, but they haven’t been able to put it all together yet this season. With a tough schedule for the rest of the year, San Diego and Meachem must bring their best if they want to be a success.

Starting next Monday night against the Denver Broncos, the Chargers will spend seven of the next 11 weeks facing off with contending teams fighting for playoff spots. With so much on the line, defenses will be playing Meachem as tough as they can off the line and down the field.

Meachem is a speedy wide receiver who can take the top off a defense, but for his skills to remain relevant and have the desired effect, head coach Norv Turner and his offense must start throwing the ball deep consistently.

Workload

The one part of Meachem’s game that should have fantasy owners terrified is the inconsistency from week to week and the lack of commitment from the Chargers' speedy wideout.

With New Orleans in 2011, Meachem caught 40 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns, but still wasn’t as big a part of the pass offense as many fans had anticipated. That’s one of the reasons the veteran left the Saints and went to San Diego.

While the Chargers and Philip Rivers may have made the role he would play sound wonderful, Meachem has gone two of the first five games without a reception.

There is no denying that his two-touchdown performance against the Saints was impressive, but it is unlikely that he will duplicate his success against a top-tier defense.

As a fantasy owner, don’t pick up Meachem unless you are desperate.

Final Word

If you are a fantasy owner of Danny Amendola and it’s not a PPR league, picking up Meachem off the waiver wire may be an option, but guard your optimism.

While the star had two touchdowns, they came on three catches. With just nine receptions in five games, this is not an option worth exercising.

If you are in dire need of help or in a deeper league, look to a player like rookie Kendall Wright with more upside instead of Meachem.

You’ll thank me later.

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