Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
You know when you upgrade your cell phone?
The old one was serviceable, it got the job done, but it didn’t have anywhere near the appeal of your new cellular device. However, as you look back, you realize how viable it was, and you appreciate it.
That, my friends, is how I tend to think of Harry Douglas in fantasy football.
Douglas, the old phone, is often overlooked because there are two iPhone 5′s on the Falcons roster in Julio Jones and Roddy White. However, an injury-plagued season in Atlanta has created a massive opportunity for Douglas to emerge as the team’s number one wideout. He sure hasn’t disappointed, and while many only wish that the likes of Julio were out there, fantasy owners need to start appreciating how awesome Douglas has been.
Through 11 games this season, Douglas has been a very strong fantasy option, particularly in PPR formats. He’s averaging almost six catches per contest, and over his last five games, Douglas has totaled six or more catches four times. Douglas is very, very quietly averaging over 11 PPR fantasy points per contest this season, and comes in as a top-15 wideout on Pro Football Focus’ ratings. He’s currently a top-20 fantasy wideout right now, and with the volume he is seeing, I wouldn’t be surprised if that held true for the rest of the season. Douglas has clearly been Matt Ryan’s favorite target, as he is averaging almost eight targets per game, sitting at 86 on the season, which puts him inside the top-20 among receivers. Also, his 16.5 fantasy points per 100 snaps ranks top-30 in football. Literally the only thing not to like about him is the lack of touchdowns (2), but if you are in a PPR league, you cold care less.
A breakout season where Douglas ranks eighth in receptions (60) and 10th in yards (833), he is clearly on his way to a career season. However, Douglas has always been a very talented wideout. Overshadowed by his two counterparts, Douglas failed to see enough looks to make a splash in fantasy leagues. The big difference seems to be the fact that Douglas is no longer operating out of the slot. Instead, he’s lined up out wide, a position where he is obviously more effective in. Remember, this is a guy who dominated the college scene in Louisville, hauling in 173 balls for 2,924 yards and 15 touchdowns during his tenure. He is playing outstanding right now, and warrants more attention than he has received.
And I get it. He obviously wouldn’t be putting up these numbers if Jones wasn’t out for the year and Roddy wasn’t banged up all season. However, don’t sell him short because of that.
Douglas is good, folks.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
