Fantasy Football Quick Hit: Is Jacoby Jones a Viable Sleeper?

Jacoby Jones is often an overlooked receiving option, playing second fiddle to Andre Johnson. However, dismissing him would be a mistake for fantasy owners.

He currently has an ADP of 172.25, meaning he’s going in the fourteenth round. In fact, in many leagues, he’s going undrafted completely. The real question is, why? He certainly has the makings of a great sleeper for those in formats that require three wide receivers.

Last season, while he managed only 27 catches, he made the most of those opportunities. He averaged 16.2 yards per reception (437 yards), as well as catching six TD passes. Considering he was sixth on the team in receptions, it says a lot that he was second in TD (behind only Andre Johnson’s nine).

While Kevin Walter may still be listed as the starter opposite Johnson, Jones has made his presence felt in the preseason. He has 12 receptions for 131 yards and one TD, tied with Johnson in receptions while being second in yards. Walter has just three catches for 65 yards.

We all know that preseason statistics don’t mean too much. Still, the fact that the fourth year receiver has come on so strong has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Coach Gary Kubiak was quoted as saying:

“He’s been competing with Kevin and has been very competitive, but they’ve both done their job, and I think we have three starters, in my opinion.”

In other words, we can expect to see a lot of three-receiver sets. With Arian Foster running wild in the backfield (his performance in the third preseason game opened the door for a play action pass for a TD to Jones), the trio has the chance to really shine.

Considering his performance and the rapport he seems to have developed with Matt Schaub, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jones emerge as the second best receiver in Houston. That is an enviable spot to be in, as the offense has the chance to accumulate plenty of points.

Drafting him in the late rounds certainly seems to be worth the gamble, doesn’t it?

What are your thoughts on Jones? How good can he be? Will he outperform Walter?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s 2010 rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers

Also, make sure to check out our recent rookie rankings:

• Top 5 Rookie RB
• Top 5 Rookie QB
• Top 5 Rookie WR
• Top 3 Rookie TE

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