One of the biggest surprises in Week 4 occurred in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when, just five days after signing a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR Louis Murphy had one of the best games since Week 13 of his 2009 rookie season; where he logged 128 receiving yards and two touchdowns against who none other than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fast-forward five years and Murphy is living out the same story only in a different jersey. The surprise wide-out turned the heads of many fantasy owners, as he amassed six catches on 11 targets for 99 yards (nine fantasy points), helping the Buccaneers earn their first victory of the season. I’m pretty sure no fantasy owners tagged Murphy to be a potential fantasy football starter on their team this season, but after this Week 4 performance and an injury to WR Mike Evans, they will be running to the waiver wire to snatch him.
With Evans sidelined for the next two-to-four weeks, it is safe to say Murphy will be in line for an increase in playing time heading into Week 5. He will be slated to start opposite WR Vincent Jackson and should warrant some fantasy value in his matchup against a decrepit New Orleans Saints’ defense.
The Saints have given up the most receptions to opposing wide receivers per-game (15.25) and the fifth most fantasy points per-game (24.8). QB Mike Glennon developed instant chemistry with Murphy on Sunday, so expect him to look his way again in Week 5. Jackson is expected to receive a majority of the targets, but if the Saints come out using double coverage, you can assume Murphy will see more action.
Murphy will surely be a huge waiver wire topic this week, so expect that zero percent ownership to rise up over 50 percent with his favorable matchup against the Saints. If you can grab him while he’s there, do it. I consider him a decent starting WR3 or flex option in PPR leagues and maybe a flex starter if you are in need of one in standard leagues.
Fantasy Forecast: six receptions for 71 yards and one carry for 10 yards.
Ryan Terrill is a Fantasy Sports Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @RyanCTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
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