Janoris Jenkins: 2013 Fantasy Football Week Six IDP Dark Horse

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The bad news is that Janoris Jenkins has not played up to his potential this season. It could be the sophomore slump, it could be opposing teams are more aware of his talents and are adjusting their game plan. The good news is that despite not yet playing up to the level displayed during his rookie season, Jenkins is still averaging between five and six fantasy football points per game, and his potential for the big play is still there.

A year after collecting three pick sixes and a fumble recovery for a touchdown, Jenkins has yet to intercept a quarterback in 2013. This weekend as the St. Louis Rams travel to take on the Houston Texans, the matchup is right for Jenkins to break his slump and have his best fantasy production outing of the season.

The Texans are allowing the most fantasy points to cornerbacks this season. With opposite side cornerback Cortland Finnegan doubtful this week, it would be safe to assume that Jenkins will be lining up against Texans target leader Andre Johnson. Johnson has seen 10+ targets in four of five games which should lend itself to plenty of chances for Jenkins to either defend the pass, or at least grab a tackle after the catch. Looking at the production of Jenkins with the targets for Johnson six to eight tackles for Jenkins is certainly within reach, along with at least two passes defended.

The biggest reason that Jenkins is worth a start this week is his big play potential. To say that quarterback Matt Schaub is not playing his best football right now would be an understatement. Schaub has thrown a pick six in an NFL record four consecutive games, and the loss of security blanket Owen Daniels certainly hurts Schaub’s outlook. Obviously, that streak will end at some time, but with only three interceptions on the season for the Rams they are due for a breakout game. Jenkins has the speed and agility to make people miss should he pick off the ball.

Of the four pick sixes Schaub has thrown in the last four games, two have come in the red zone. This is a great outlook because if Jenkins (or any other Rams defender) can make the play, they shouldn’t have too far to go to hit pay dirt.

I think that this week, at worse Jenkins will get you five to six points on a low tackle day. At best you have a cornerback who could possibly grab north of seven tackles, defend a few passes and potentially take advantage of a struggling quarterback and take yet another pick six to the house.

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 an author at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google