Odell Beckham

Week 2 vs. New Orleans

Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) had a quiet opening to the season by his standards, catching four passes for 73 yards. He was targeted a team-high eight times though and is still an elite fantasy WR and a must-start every week.

Sometimes the sky opens up and everything shines down on a fantasy player. That could be the case this week for OBJ, who gets to face a horrible Saints defense this week. When he played against them last season, he had eight catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns. While it’s hard to expect that kind of production again this week, owners should still expect a big game. He’s the top WR on our board this week and should never be on your bench.

Fantasy Upside
Odell Beckham Jr. enters this season healthy and with two years of experience under his belt. Last season, he finished in the top-5 in both yards and touchdowns and was eighth in the league with 96 receptions. He has a nose for the end zone, scoring 25 touchdowns over the past two seasons (more than any other player in the league). The Giants passing game leans heavily upon him and he is a perfect fit for their West Coast offense, which emphasizes tough running and the ability to make plays after the catch. OBJ should be entering his prime at age 23 and is an elite player at his position.

Fantasy Downside
He missed the first four games of his rookie season, though he didn’t miss any time with injuries last year. He was suspended for Week 16 for his conduct while being covered by former Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, which means he could be a candidate for another suspension if he doesn’t learn to keep his cool. He’ll also face Norman, now in Washington, twice this season. OBJ honestly doesn’t have much downside though, as he’s been a premier fantasy receiver since entering the starting lineup.

2016 Bottom Line
Beckham will likely be one of the first players taken in all fantasy leagues and he should be considered one of the safest options in the draft. His consistent production, the offense he plays in, and the stability the Giants have at the quarterback position all point to continued success for OBJ. He’s an elite fantasy option and is exactly the kind of player to target with a top-5 pick in the draft.

Week 16 vs. Minnesota
Odell Beckham Jr. managed to score a touchdown and put up six catches and 76 yards against the Panthers last week, but he also managed to get himself suspended after some after-the-play activity with Panther corner Josh Norman. He’ll appeal, but this is an easy choice for fantasy owners, even against a pretty solid Minnesota pass defense. If Beckham is active, he’s a must start every week as a WR1 in all formats. If he’s suspended, obviously get him out of your lineup.