Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 3: Why You Should Avoid WR Jacoby Jones

Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones had a shot to impress in the team's Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins, filling in for the injured Kevin Walter.

While he had a workmanlike three receptions for 48 yards in that game (after a Week 1 performance that saw him again with three catches for 43 yards and a 91-yard punt return for a touchdown), including a 31-yarder that set the team up for a field goal, he does not appear to be a viable fantasy option.

Even as a third receiver, Jones carries with him significant risk, especially considering that Walter looks like he will play against the New Orleans Saints this week. The Texans seem to have abandoned the passing game aside from the deep ball to Andre Johnson; the team ranks just 22nd in the league in passing yards through two games.

Last year, Jones had 51 receptions for 562 yards and three touchdowns, but he also dropped 10 balls. He has problems shaking coverage, which harms his value both with the Texans, and from a fantasy football standpoint as well.

With a decreased focus on the pass, two capable wide receivers and a resurgent tight end (Owen Daniels) appears to be all the Texans need in the air this year.

Jones has a recognizable name, and had a very good 2009 season. But his stats and his role with the team have diminished. Now that Walter has a high likelihood of returning this week, Jones will reprise his position as the third wide receiver for the Texans.

Unless your league is extremely deep, there's no need to keep Jones on your bench, let alone start him. In fact, even if Walter can't play, I am highly skeptical that this makes Jones a must-play for Week 3, even for fantasy GMs with a major need at wide receiver.