Eric Decker's Updated Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 4

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker is dealing with a hamstring injury ahead of the team's Week 4 matchup at home against the Detroit Lions.

If Decker is able to give it a go and is somewhere near 100 percent, his size ought to give the Lions' secondary problems. However, the uncertainty surrounding Jets quarterback Geno Smith and his ability to lead the offense will leave Decker's fantasy value in question until further notice.

Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Decker didn't practice Wednesday:

This comes after Decker logged just one reception and sat out the second half in Week 3. In that context, it is hard to parade him as anything better than a WR2 in fantasy at the moment, barring a change in his health status.

The Jets offense goes as Smith does, but Decker, who's struggled to stay on the field, is his clear No. 1 target.

Although the second-year, second-round draft pick has shown signs of progress in making reads and having the look of a franchise quarterback, Smith has still had a tendency for untimely turnovers.

The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre called for Smith's backup, Michael Vick, following the young QB's performance in a Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 3:

Smith doesn't sense any internal divide:

Football Perspective's Chase Stuart feels Smith needs Decker fully fit to trigger such a decision:

That's a relevant point, though the Jets have to balance the need to win now, Decker's health and its patience with Smith. It's a complicated cocktail of circumstances, the likes of which New York often invites with its massive media market and outspoken coach Rex Ryan.

During Ryan's tenure, the team has relied heavily on the rushing attack and defense amid a perpetually unstable QB situation. There doesn't appear to be any added stability at the moment, despite Smith's flashes of brilliance in 2014.

Therefore, Decker is in a difficult place to succeed. The lack of practice reps make it hard for him to establish a rapport with Smith, not to mention adapting to a new, complex West Coast offense deployed by offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

Even if Decker is in the lineup in Week 4, he will likely be used as a decoy if his hamstring continues to bother him.

The Lions' front seven is intimidating. Their defensive line brought constant pressure to Green Bay superstar QB Aaron Rodgers in Week 3, limiting the high-octane Packers offense to just seven points.

Here are some relevant stats from the Lions' official Twitter account, too:

As thin as it appears Detroit's defensive backfield is, it has done quite a number on offenses led by two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, Carolina star Cam Newton (who did fare well with 281 yards passing versus, to be fair) and Rodgers.

Although Newton did well with 281 yards passing versus the Lions, Carolina managed just 2.6 yards per carry—and that counts Newton's 19 yards rushing on four attempts.

Detroit's overall body of work spells trouble for the Jets' passing game.

Based on Ryan's preferred tactics and Smith's erratic play, New York will hope to establish the run early. Should Detroit manage to stop that bid, as it did in Week 2 against the Panthers, Smith will be forced into clear passing situations. Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Co. can then pin their ears back and tee off.

All signs point to a down fantasy week for Decker even with his constant value as a premier red-zone option, evident in his 24 touchdown catches as a Denver Bronco over the previous two seasons.

Check out how Decker's replacement Emmanuel Sanders has fared with Peyton Manning throwing him passes in 2014, per the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta:

Injuries aside, perhaps Manning's impact did benefit Decker even more than it originally seemed in Denver.

There isn't a great possibility that Decker will have his usual burst off the line of scrimmage, particularly coming off a short week. Even with a big frame, creating separation on short routes is key in Mornhinweg's system that relies on short, rhythm passes.

Until Decker shows he's able to stay on the gridiron, he is a risk to deploy even as a No. 2 or flex fantasy option. Once he recovers from this nagging hamstring ailment, it's on Smith to deliver him the ball and form the passing game combination the Jets desperately need to keep defenses honest.

Eric Decker's Projected Week 4 Fantasy Stats: Four receptions, 45 yards