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To clarify right off the bat, Robert Meachem’s return to the New Orleans Saints has not been finalized, but every report I’ve seen on it indicates it is close to complete. Should Meachem return to the Big Easy, what fantasy value would he have?
Starting off, there is no doubt that Drew Brees is a clear upgrade over Philip Rivers. The fact that Brees is throwing the ball could make almost anyone fantasy relevant. Also it is no secret that the Saints are a much more pass oriented team than the San Diego Chargers, which certainly won’t hurt his value. I would tap the brakes in this case, however, before you go using a waiver wire pickup.
Meachem should be viewed as the fifth passing option for the Saints behind (in no particular order) Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Darren Sproles and Lance Moore. That is a lot of really solid playmakers that Meachem will have to surpass to earn his share of targets. That also is only the passing game, and when you take into account that the Saints have said they would like to get Pierre Thomas more involved, Meachem’s target and snap count gets even cloudier.
The Saints are looking at bringing Meachem in due to Joe Morgan being out for the season, and they must feel like he can help to replace the hole left by Morgan as the deep threat. Meachem’s biggest asset has always been his speed, but at 29 and after having knee surgery he has appeared a step slower than before the operation. While in San Diego, reports surfaced that he appeared lost, uninterested, and out of synch with Rivers. It must have been pretty bad as the Chargers are currently on the hook for $5 million due to Meachem and were still willing to cut him anyway (anyone up there in the New York Jets organization might want to take notes here, i.e. Mark Sanchez).
I don’t see Meachem having any relevant fantasy value. He might still get past a few of the lower end defensive backs, and if so, a long touchdown or two wouldn’t be that crazy, but it will not be on a consistent basis. If you roster Meachem, you are really relying on that long touchdown strike for his production. With so many other relevant fantasy options in New Orleans, I think Meachem will be used more to attempt to keep defenses honest and open things up for the other receiving options as a decoy, if you will.
As far as picking Meachem up for your fantasy team, you have better options available elsewhere.
As always, I welcome your comments. If you think I’m wrong, I’m willing to listen. Just back it up with some facts and solid evidence. Thanks for reading and good luck this season.
Dustin Manko is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2013/09/03/2013-fantasy-football-is-robert-griffin-iii-a-week-1-bust/
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